The adjunctive use of Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) in the management of Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ): a retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a risk for patients taking anti-resorptive or anti-angiogenic medications. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAMOS) has classified MRONJ in stages to reflect the severity of the disease and allows implementation of suitable treatment pathways. MRONJ risk is < 5% in cancer patients and < 0.05% in osteoporosis patients. Management is subdivided into operative and non-operative, with advances in the literature investigating adjuvants. Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) is an autologous biomaterial consisting of leukocytes and platelets embedded within a fibrin matrix with the ability to release growth factors enabling angiogenesis, bone regeneration and soft tissue healing. This paper's aim is to investigate the effects of L-PRF in conjuction with surgical debridement for management of MRONJ. METHODS: Twenty-two cases with established MRONJ were treated with either surgical intervention (Group A) or with surgical intervention and L-PRF (Group B), from 2016 to 2023 at Edinburgh Dental Institute (EDI). Treatments were deemed successful when the patients were asymptomatic, displayed complete soft tissue healing with the absence of infection/inflammation, fistula, or exposed bone. RESULTS: All cases in Group B had healed in contrast to 54.5% not healed in Group A; p value < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The use of L-PRF as an adjuvant to surgical management of MRONJ is promising with its favourable functional capacity, simple application, and success of treatment outcomes.

The role of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin in the prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, in patients requiring dental extractions: an observational study.

PURPOSE: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a significant complication which can present following a dental extraction in patients receiving anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic medications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effect of L-PRF in the prevention of MRONJ in patients receiving these medications and requiring dental extractions. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were included and divided into two groups, depending on whether L-PRF was used after the required dental extraction or not. Subsequently, the patients were categorised into low and high-risk for developing MRONJ, as recommended by the SDCEP guidance. RESULTS: None of the patients in the L-PRF group returned with established MRONJ. Five high-risk patients in the control group presented with established MRONJ in the follow-up appointment. A significant statistical difference (p = 0.04) was observed following a comparison of the high-risk patients of the two groups. CONCLUSION: These encouraging results suggest that L-PRF may be useful in the prevention of MRONJ following a dental extraction especially in patients of the higher risk category. A protocol for the management of this type of patients is also introduced.

Coronectomy: a retrospective outcome study.

PURPOSE: Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is reported as a complication following surgical removal of lower third molars. In cases where the IAN is intimately related to the roots of the tooth, coronectomy may be performed as an alternative. The objectives of this study were to record operative indications for coronectomy and assess the short- and long-term post-operative outcomes following coronectomy. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients (19-95 years old) that had coronectomies carried out in the Edinburgh Dental Institute and Chalmers Dental Centre within the last 10 years. The patients were invited by letter to attend a review appointment. High-risk radiographic signs and short- (≤ 3 months) and long-term complications (> 3 months) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were invited to participate and a total 28 patients returned for review. From the rest of the patients, data was extracted from their dental records. IAN injury was reported in 5 cases (4.3%) as a short-term complication and in 2 cases (3.5%) as a long-term complication. One patient presented with eruption of roots at the review appointment 7 years following surgery. In this study, 'very' long-term complications were recorded as the 28 patients that returned for a review, were seen on an average of 4.8 years post-operation. CONCLUSIONS: Coronectomy is a relatively safe technique for preservation of the IAN. However, prospective large scale research is needed to more accurately report on the prevalence of short- and long-term complications.