injectable platelet rich fibrin may not prevent canine root resorption, Study says

The role of injectable platelet rich fibrin (i-PRF) in orthodontic treatment has not been investigated with focus on its effect on dental and bony periodontal elements.

Therefore, Talar S. Zeitounlouian and colleagues from the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria conducted this study with the objective to evaluate the efficacy of i-PRF in bone preservation and prevention of root resorption.

The authors carried out a randomized split-mouth controlled trial including a total of 21 patients aged 16–28 years (20.85 ± 3.85), who were treated for Class II malocclusion with the extraction of the maxillary first premolars. Right and left sides were randomly allocated to either experimental treated with i-PRF or control sides.

After the leveling and alignment phase, the canines were retracted with 150gm forces. The i-PRF was prepared from the blood of each patient following a precise protocol, then injected immediately before canine retraction on the buccal and palatal aspects of the extraction sites. Localized maxillary cone beam computed tomography scans were taken before and after canine retraction to measure alveolar bone height and thickness and canine root length (indicative of root resorption), and the presence of dehiscence and fenestration. Paired sample t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the changes between groups.

The following results were seen-

a. No statistically significant differences in bone height, bone thickness were found between sides and between pre- and post-retraction period.

b. However, root length was reduced post retraction but did not differ between sides.

c. In both groups, postoperative dehiscence was observed buccally and palatally and fenestrations were recorded on only the buccal aspect.

Hence, the researchers concluded that "I-PRF did not affect bone quality during canine retraction or prevent canine root resorption. I-PRF did not reduce the prevalence of dehiscence and fenestration."