Utilization of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Oral Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Introduction: The physiological process of wound healing is a complex and dynamic series of events that aims to restore damaged tissues to their original structure and function. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous blood-derived product, is characterized by a high concentration of platelets suspended in a small volume of plasma, along with a complete array of coagulation factors at physiological concentrations. Beyond platelets, PRP contains a significant quantity of bioactive growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), all of which are crucial mediators of tissue repair and osteogenesis. Due to these properties, PRP has garnered considerable attention in oral surgery, where the efficient regeneration of both hard and soft tissues is critical for the optimal therapeutic outcomes. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the efficacy of PRP in oral surgical procedures, with particular emphasis on its role in the regeneration of both soft and hard tissues, as well as its clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the review sought to identify the diverse surgical applications of PRP and assess the impact of its use in conjunction with grafting materials on regenerative outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, analyzing articles published within the last decade regarding the application of PRP in oral surgery, specifically focusing on periodontal, regenerative, and implant-related procedures. Studies were selected based on rigorous inclusion criteria, assessing the utilization of PRP across different clinical settings. Results: Thirteen relevant studies were included, which were categorized as follows: three studies involving implant surgery, three studies focusing on third molar extractions, two studies on regenerative surgery, two studies addressing periodontal surgery, one study examining intrabony periodontal defects, and two studies on ridge augmentation procedures. The majority of studies reported modest improvements in clinical parameters such as periodontal probing depth and clinical attachment level (CAL). Furthermore, significant positive outcomes were observed in soft tissue healing, with notable enhancements in bone density. These results suggest that PRP may facilitate the healing process, particularly in soft tissues, while also promoting bone regeneration to a degree. Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review underscore the potential of PRP as a valuable adjunct in oral surgery, demonstrating significant benefits in the regeneration of soft tissues and, to a lesser extent, hard tissues. Notably, the standalone application of PRP did not yield substantial improvements in regenerative outcomes. However, when PRP was used in combination with grafting materials, more pronounced benefits were observed, indicating a synergistic effect that enhances both soft and hard tissue regeneration. These findings support the rationale for incorporating PRP into clinical practice, particularly in conjunction with grafting materials, to optimize patient outcomes in oral surgery. Further research, particularly involving larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups, is necessary to fully elucidate the optimal clinical applications and mechanistic pathways of PRP in oral regenerative procedures.