Effectiveness of Oroantral Communication Closure Using Solid Platelet-Rich Fibrin Compared to a Conventional Treatment Approach: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin clot (PRF) and conventional oroantral communication (OAC) repair techniques following tooth extractions from the maxilla. The study involved 22 patients, divided into 2 groups: a study group treated with PRF and a control group undergoing conventional OAC repair. The primary outcome measured was the effectiveness of OAC closure, with pain intensity and postoperative complications as secondary outcomes. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to evaluate post-extraction bone regeneration. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on days 0, 1, 7, and 14 postoperatively. The results showed that the PRF group experienced a significant decrease in pain within the first 24 hours and after 7 days (P < .0001; P < .05). In contrast, complications were reported in 45.45% of patients in the conventional repair group and 18.18% in the A-PRF group. Three months postsurgery, CBCT revealed appreciable bone healing in both groups, with no significant difference (P > .05). In conclusion, the study suggests that A-PRF treatment for OACs resulted in fewer complications and quicker pain reduction than traditional repair methods, making it a promising alternative for managing OACs. However, future studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish the full therapeutic potential of PRF.

Series of images showing the PRF surgical procedure for treating OAC. (a) The first image is taken immediately after the surgery (day 0), (b) followed by images taken after 24 hours, and (c) 14 days. (d) The final image was taken after 3 months.

Series of images showing the conventional method (buccal flap) for OAC treatment. (a) The first image is taken immediately after the surgery (day 0), (b) followed by images taken after 24 hours, and (c) 14 days. (d) The final image was taken after 3 months.

Study flow diagram.

Pain evaluation through the visual analog (VAS) scale showed a significant decrease in pain within the PRF group in the first 24 hours. Additionally, there was a substantial difference in pain between the 2 groups during this same time period (P < .0001). Furthermore, the evaluation of VAS for pain showed a significant reduction in pain for the PRF group compared with conventional treatment after 7 days (P < .05).

(a) Representative image from a patient from the A-PRF group showing the complete bone healing on the area of the OAC; (b) Image from a patient from the A-PRF group showing a non-bone closure on the site of the OAC; Series of images taken after 3 months.
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