EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA IN ENHANCING OSTEOGENIC POTENTIAL AND ACCELERATING BONE REGENERATION IN MAXILLOFACIAL BONE DEFECTS

Abstract: Background: Maxillofacial bone defects require effective interventions to enhance bone regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is considered a promising therapeutic option due to its high concentration of growth factors that may promote osteogenesis and accelerate healing. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in enhancing osteogenic potential and accelerating bone regeneration in patients with maxillofacial bone defects. Methods: Eighty-five patients with maxillofacial bone defects were randomly assigned to two groups: the PRP group (n=43) and the control group (n=42). The PRP group received PRP injections in the defect area, while the control group received standard treatment without PRP. Bone regeneration was assessed through clinical and radiographic evaluations at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment. Key outcome measures included bone density (measured in Hounsfield units, HU), defect closure rate, and patient-reported pain scores. Results: At 12 weeks post-treatment, the PRP group showed a significant increase in bone density compared to the control group (850 ± 50 HU vs. 680 ± 45 HU, p<0.001). The defect closure rate was higher in the PRP group, with 78% of defects fully closed compared to 55% in the control group (p=0.02). Additionally, patients in the PRP group reported lower pain scores at 12 weeks (2.1 ± 0.5) compared to the control group (3.8 ± 0.7, p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of PRP significantly enhances osteogenic potential and accelerates bone regeneration in maxillofacial bone defects. The results demonstrate that PRP-treated patients experienced higher bone density, faster defect closure, and reduced pain compared to those who received standard care. PRP is a promising adjunctive therapy in the management of maxillofacial bone defects.