Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Fibrin with Decalcified Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft Compared to Decalcified Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft Alone in Mandibular Grade-II Furcation Defects: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) compared to DFDBA alone in mandibular grade-II furcation defects. Material and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on nine patients with chronic periodontitis, each having two almost identical mandibular grade II furcation defects. Test sites (left mandibular first molars) were treated with open flap debridement (OFD), DFDBA, and PRF, whereas control sites (right mandibular first molars) received OFD and DFDBA alone. Clinical parameters (plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), vertical clinical attachment level (VCAL) and horizontal clinical attachment level (HCAL) into the furcation defect) and radiographic measurements (mean alveolar bone defect) were done at baseline and after six months postoperatively. Results: The gain in relative horizontal clinical attachment level (RHCAL) in the test sites was 2.94±0.52 mm compared to 1.33±0.35 mm in control sites (p=0.01). Improvement in mean alveolar bone defect (MABD) (was 1.21±0.5 mm2 at test sites compared to 1.15±0.7 mm2 at control sites) probing pocket depth (PPD), recession, relative vertical attachment level (RVCAL), and percentage of bone fill was found in the test sites compared to control, which statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The test sites had better outcomes than control sites, which was significant for the parameter RHCAL. Therefore, combining the biological benefits of autologous PRF with DFDBA is an efficient and economical treatment modality for the management of mandibular grade II furcation defects.