ABSTRACT
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rich in growth factors, target-specific polypeptides that play a role in cell proliferation and differentiation and can thus encourage wound repair. This study sought to assess the effects of PRP on new bone formation in a sample of 25 patients with clinical indications for extraction of all four impacted third molars with similar orientation, depth, and root morphology. Immediately after extraction, sockets on one side received PRP, whereas those on the other side (control) did not. Patients underwent 6 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up. Periapical radiographs were scanned and bone repair was assessed by image histogram analysis. The radiographic densities of the extraction sockets were compared to the densities of the distal surfaces of the adjacent teeth, with the difference between both serving to distinguish the PRP and control sides. Results showed that healing of PRP-treated sockets was significantly different from that of control sockets at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up, in mandibular and maxillary sockets alike. The results of this sample suggest that PRP provides a safe and effective means of speeding alveolar bone repair.
Subject(s)
Alveolar Process/pathology , Molar, Third/surgery , Osteogenesis/physiology , Platelet-Rich Plasma/physiology , Tooth Extraction , Tooth, Impacted/surgery , Adolescent , Adult , Alveolar Process/diagnostic imaging , Bone Density/physiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods , Male , Mandible/diagnostic imaging , Mandible/pathology , Maxilla/diagnostic imaging , Maxilla/pathology , Platelet Count , Prospective Studies , Radiography, Bitewing/methods , Radiography, Dental, Digital/methods , Thrombin/therapeutic use , Tooth Socket/diagnostic imaging , Tooth Socket/pathology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Orthodontic appliances for skeletal anchorage are becoming increasingly more common in clinical practice. Similarly, different terms such as mini-implants, microimplants, and miniscrews have been used. There is a wide array of appliances currently on the market, in different designs and sizes, diameters, degree of titanium purity, and surface treatment. These appliances have been used for a variety of indications, including tooth retraction, intrusion, and traction. This study aimed to report the clinical case of a 19-year-old patient with a fractured mandible and to propose a novel use of mini-implants: the perioperative placement of mini-implants as anchors for maxillomandibular fixation steel wire ligatures. We concluded that this appliance provides an effective maxillomandibular fixation in patients with mandibular fracture, with little increase in the cost of surgery.
