# Effectiveness of Autologous Plasma Rich in Growth Factors on Healing of Extraction Socket—A Systematic Review

## TL;DR

This review finds that plasma rich in growth factors can improve healing after tooth extraction, though more standardized studies are needed.

## Contribution

The review introduces updated methodological rigor and clarifies gaps in PRGF preparation variability.

## Key findings

- Four studies showed improved healing with PRGF compared to controls.
- PRGF-treated sockets had consistent pain reduction with standardized analgesic protocols.
- High-quality trials showed mineralized tissue formation favored PRGF.

## Abstract

Objectives: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) in enhancing post-extraction socket healing by synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials and assessing outcomes related to bone regeneration, soft-tissue healing, and postoperative discomfort. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, using a fully reproducible Boolean search strategy. Non-English studies were screened but excluded only when a reliable translation was not feasible. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving PRGF application in human extraction sockets were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to substantial heterogeneity in PRGF preparation protocols, follow-up duration, and outcome measurements. Results: Seven RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Four studies demonstrated significantly improved healing outcomes in the PRGF group compared with controls, whereas two studies reported comparable results. Pain reduction was consistently observed in PRGF-treated sockets in studies that reported standardized postoperative analgesic protocols. Mineralized tissue formation favored PRGF in high-quality trials. Considerable heterogeneity was identified in PRGF centrifugation parameters, outcome tools, and evaluation timelines. Conclusions: Evidence from current RCTs supports PRGF as an effective and well-established adjunct for enhancing early post-extraction healing. The novelty of this review lies in its updated methodological rigor, corrected risk-of-bias analysis, standardized data handling, and clarification of long-standing gaps in reporting PRGF preparation variability. Future trials with standardized PRGF protocols and long-term follow-up are needed to improve comparability and strengthen clinical recommendations.