Innovative approach for dental socket healing using PRF-enriched metal nanocomposites – A comprehensive review

Objective

Complications such as dry sockets and infections are very common after tooth extraction and it can be prevented with proper care and precautions. Most common techniques of preventing these complications include maintaining good oral hygiene, and using specific materials to support healing in the socket to enhance recovery by reducing the chance of infection. In order to overcome such complications associated with socket healing after extraction of tooth, bone substitute materials are more commonly used. This study aims to explore the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), metal nanoparticles, and biopolymers in enhancing the healing process. However, chitosan has shown to improve wound healing by attracting and activating neutrophils and macrophages and also by enhancing angiogenesis. While metal nanoparticles assist in preventing infections.

Methods

This review was conducted by searching relevant literature articles from Google Scholar and PubMed using different keywords related to the research topic.

Results

Literature supports that the use of PRF, metal nanoparticles, and biopolymers individually shows significant potential in promoting socket healing after extraction of tooth. However, each materials are associated with specific limitations including difficulty in handling PRF, the cytotoxicity of certain metal nanoparticles, and the biodegradability concerns of biopolymers.

Conclusions

Combining PRF, metal nanoparticles and chitosan could present a synergistic multifaceted approach to overcome limitations associated with each material and accelerate the socket healing process. This combined material could offer a more effective solution for improving clinical outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery.