Cork University Dental School and Hospital, University College Cork, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. Electronic address: laura.osullivan@ucc.ie. Cork University Dental School and Hospital, University College Cork, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. Cork University Dental School and Hospital, University College Cork, Wilton, Cork, Ireland; University College London, London Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK.
International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery. 2022
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on patient- and clinician-reported outcomes following mandibular third molar removal. Seventy-four patients requiring surgical removal of a unilateral impacted mandibular third molar under local anaesthesia were recruited into the study. PRGF was prepared for all patients irrespective of study arm allocation. Reviews were
conducted 3 days (T1) and 7 days (T2) postoperatively. Primary outcome measures were pain (numerical rating scale, NRS), OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile-14), and postoperative symptom severity scale (PoSSe) data. Secondary outcome measures including mouth opening, dry socket, socket healing, and analgesic consumption were also explored. The statistical analysis was performed using analysis of covariance and the χ(2) test. NRS pain scores were higher in the PRGF group at T1, demonstrating borderline significance (mean difference 1.0; P = 0.06), with no difference at T2. PoSSe scores did not differ between the groups, with the exception of the 'interference with daily activities' subscale at T1, where PRGF group patients scored 1.2 units higher (P = 0.02). OHIP-14 scores demonstrated a 25% increased likelihood of PRGF patients reporting discomfort on eating at T1 (P = 0.02), with no statistical significance at T2. Secondary outcomes did not differ between the groups. No difference in clinical or quality of life outcomes was observed for patients receiving adjunctive PRGF in third molar sockets.
