Effect of platelet-rich fibrin therapy on new bone formation in rapid maxillary expansion in rats

The effect of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) on ossification of the expanded suture region in rats was investigated. Twenty-eight young male Wistar albino rats divided into four groups. Experimental groups with i-PRF treated (CA, CB) and control groups without i-PRF (KA, KB), divided into subgroups with long (CA, KA) and shortterm (CB, KB) retention period. CBCT images taken at T0 (0.day), T1 (5.day), T2 (20.day), T3 (35.day) and interdental width measurements were done for evaluation of expanded suture. All groups received 5 days of RME and 15 days retention period. While the retention period of CB and KB groups terminated at T2 and relapse followed for 15 days, the retention period of CA and KA groups continued. i-PRF injected to experimental groups at T1 and T2. All animals sacrificed at the end of the experiment, and Micro-CT examination performed for bone mineral density (BMD) and sutural width measurements. The relapse rate calculated by CBCT measurements and statistically significant lowest value was found in CA group while the highest one was found in KB group. CBCT and Micro-CT sutural width measurements of time T3 was similar, with the highest sutural width in CA group, and the lowest in KB group. In BMD findings, the values of the experimental groups are significantly higher than the control. As a result, I- PRF had positive effects on new bone formation and bone density in the expanded sutural region. It can be speculated that i-PRF application is valuable to preserve treatment results and reduce relapse.