RESUMEN
Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains high levels of polypeptide growth factors that may enhance periodontal regeneration when combined with graft materials. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of autologous PRP in combination with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) versus β-TCP alone in the treatment of human infrabony defects. Materials and Methods: Using a split-mouth design, 20 patients showing clinical evidence of almost identical bilateral infrabony defects were randomly selected. The right infrabony defects of the patient were designated as Group A and treated by the placement of β-TCP alone. The left infrabony defects of the same patient were designated as Group B and treated by the placement of PRP mixed with β-TCP. Clinical assessment of probing pocket depth and attachment level and radiographic evaluation of the defect depth were done preoperatively and at 12, 24 and 36 weeks postoperatively. The relative efficacy of two treatment modalities was evaluated using paired Student's t-test and the comparative evaluation between the two groups was done using independent Student's t-test. Results: Both the groups exhibited a highly significant reduction in probing pocket depth, gain in clinical attachment level and linear bone fill at the end of 36 weeks postoperatively. Comparative evaluation between the two study groups revealed a significant reduction in probing pocket depth (P = 0.036*), mean gain in clinical attachment level (P = 0.042*) and linear bone fill (P = 0.014*) in Group B as compared to Group A. Conclusions: Combination of PRP and β-TCP led to a significantly more favorable clinical and radiographic improvement in infrabony periodontal defects.