# Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of the Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and NovaBone Bone Graft With and Without Decortication in Intrabony Defects: A Split-Mouth Clinical Study

## TL;DR

This study compares the effectiveness of PRF and NovaBone with and without decortication in treating intrabony defects caused by periodontitis.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is evaluating the added benefit of decortication when using PRF and NovaBone for intrabony defect regeneration.

## Key findings

- Both groups showed significant improvements in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level.
- Decortication enhanced gingival bleeding index reduction and radiographic bone fill.
- Gingival recession changes were minimal and not statistically significant.

## Abstract

Background: Intrabony defects resulting from chronic periodontitis can compromise oral health, necessitating regenerative interventions to restore lost periodontal structures. Using bone graft materials like NovaBone and biologics like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has shown favorable outcomes. Decortication, a technique that enhances angiogenesis and graft stability, may improve regeneration. This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of PRF combined with NovaBone putty, with and without decortication, in managing intrabony defects.

Methodology: A randomized controlled clinical study was conducted on 15 patients with 30 intrabony defect sites. Subjects were divided into two groups: Group I received PRF and NovaBone without decortication, while Group II received the same combination with decortication. Clinical parameters, including plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession (GR), along with radiographic bone fill, were evaluated at baseline, three months, and six months.

Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in PPD reduction, CAL gain, and bone fill over time (p < 0.05). Group II showed a greater reduction in GBI (93.33%) compared to Group I (80%). Mean CAL gain was 2.66 mm in Group I and 3.04 mm in Group II. Radiographic assessment revealed greater bone fill in Group II (27.26%) than Group I (20.93%). Changes in GR were minimal and statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: Combining PRF with NovaBone yields positive regenerative outcomes in intrabony defects, and incorporating decortication offers additional clinical benefits.