COMPARISON BETWEEN HYDROXYAPATITE BONE GRAFT AND PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN IN THE PREVENTION OF PERIODONTAL DEFECTS ON THE DISTAL ASPECT OF MANDIBULAR SECOND MOLARS AFTER SURGICAL REMOVAL OF IMPACTED MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR: A SPLIT MOUTH STUDY

Background: Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars often results in periodontal defects on the distal surface of the adjacent second molar. These defects may lead to deep periodontal pockets, bone loss, pain, and inflammation. Different graft materials have been used to prevent such complications. Among them, hydroxyapatite (HA) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are commonly employed. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite bone graft and platelet-rich fibrin in preventing periodontal defects on the distal aspect of mandibular second molars following surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study included patients requiring surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. After extraction, one of the sockets were managed with hydroxyapatite graft and another one with platelet-rich fibrin. Clinical parameters such as pain, swelling and periodontal pocket depth distal to the second molar were assessed postoperatively. Radiographic evaluation was carried out to assess bone healing.