Effect of leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin on the rate of canine movement – A prospective and randomized control trial

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the rate of maxillary canine retraction for a period of 5 months. A split-mouth study was conducted on 16 patients (32 extraction sockets) (Nine males and seven females; age ranging 17–25 years) with Class II Div 1 malocclusion or Class I bimaxillary protrusion, requiring therapeutic extraction of bilateral maxillary first premolars. After the initial leveling and alignment, L-PRF plugs were placed immediately in the randomly selected socket (Experimental Group) and the other side served as control for secondary healing (Control Group). This was followed by the activation of nickel-titanium closed coil springs for canine retraction. The rate of canine movement, canine rotation, tipping, root resorption, and molar movement was assessed at monthly intervals for 5 months (T0–T5). Data were collected from study models. Assessment of pain accompanying the procedure was done using a Likert scale. The trial was registered at the Clinical Trials Registry of India (REF/2022/02/051837). The study revealed that there was a significant increase in the rate of canine movement on the experimental side in the first 2 months and significant molar anchorage loss was seen only in the 1st month. There were statistically non-significant differences in canine rotation, tipping, probing depth, root resorption, and pain perception between the groups. The use of L-PRF plugs in the extraction sockets enhanced the rate of canine movement in the first 2 months of treatment with less anchorage loss and no deleterious effects on periodontium.