Clinical and histological evaluation of L-PRF and T-PRF – A Comparative review

Wound closure and healing is the prime goal of a surgeon. With modern advances and techniques, therapeutic application of growth factors from autologous blood has demonstrated enhanced healing properties. Platelet rich products like second generation (L-PRF) and third generation (T-PRF) platelet concentrates have simplified the process without biochemical handling of blood. But, recent researches have raised controversies over the use of glass tubes for centrifugation of platelet concentrates like L-PRF as the silica contained in the end product may prove cytotoxic to human cell thus, in an attempt to eliminate all the possible risks, a more biocompatible platelet concentrate (T-PRF) was developed which used titanium tubes for centrifugation. T-PRF not only proved safe but also showed improved tissue healing and better activation of platelets and growth factors at the surgical site. Study design: The purpose of this review was to compare the healing properties of T-PRF over L-PRF and explore its possible applications in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Result: T-PRF proved similar to L-PRF in terms of the clot produced which was clinically identical to each other but showed different healing properties and histocompatibilities. With stronger fibrin network, better biocompatibility and advanced resorption characteristics, T-PRF proved more promising in wound healing, angiogenesis and graft handling properties as compared to L-PRF.