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Platelet-rich fibrin may reduce medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw risk during tooth extractionsPlatelet-rich fibrin may lower jaw bone damage risks

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Key Takeaway
Note that while PRF may reduce MRONJ risk, evidence is currently based on low-certainty observational data.

This meta-analysis investigated whether the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as an adjunct during tooth extractions influenced the incidence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in patients receiving antiresorptive or antiangiogenic agents. The researchers compared PRF treatment against extraction alone, focusing on both the occurrence of MRONJ and subsequent postoperative healing rates.

The analysis reported that PRF was associated with a lower risk of MRONJ and improved overall postoperative healing outcomes compared to extraction alone. Specifically, a subtype known as L-PRF showed significant improvements in healing, whereas A-PRF did not reach statistical significance for healing outcomes in this analysis.

Several limitations were noted by the authors, including the fact that the evidence is based predominantly on observational studies with a high risk of bias and relatively small sample sizes. Consequently, the GRADE certainty of evidence for both primary and secondary outcomes was rated as very low. While the findings suggest potential benefits for PRF in managing risks associated with MRONJ, clinicians should interpret these results with caution due to the limited quality of the underlying data.

Patients taking certain medications, such as antiresorptive or antiangiogenic agents, face a higher risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) during dental procedures. This condition can cause significant bone loss and pain after tooth extractions. Researchers looked at whether adding platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)—a substance derived from the patient's own blood—could improve safety and healing outcomes.

The analysis of 512 patients found that using PRF was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing MRONJ compared to extraction alone. Additionally, patients who received PRF showed better overall healing after surgery. Specifically, a subtype called L-PRF showed significant improvements in healing times.

While these results are promising, it is important to note that the evidence currently has a very low certainty rating. Most of the data came from observational studies with small sample sizes and a high risk of bias. Because the findings are based on these limited types of studies, doctors should view this as an association rather than a guaranteed clinical outcome.

What this means for you:
Platelet-rich fibrin may lower jaw bone complications and improve healing for patients on specific medications.

Common questions

What is MRONJ and who is at risk?

MRONJ stands for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. It is a condition where the jawbone fails to heal properly after procedures like tooth extractions. It primarily affects patients taking specific medications, such as antiresorptive or antiangiogenic agents.

How does platelet-rich fibrin help during dental surgery?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an additive used during extractions. The study found that using PRF was associated with a significantly lower risk of MRONJ compared to extraction alone and led to improved healing outcomes overall for the patients involved.

How certain are these results regarding jaw safety?

The evidence currently has a very low certainty rating. Because the findings rely mostly on observational studies with small sample sizes and a high risk of bias, the results show an association rather than a definitive guarantee for every patient.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
Sample sizen = 370
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedJul 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious complication associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapies, particularly following tooth extraction. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been proposed as a biologically active adjunct capable of enhancing tissue repair and potentially reducing the risk of MRONJ. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of PRF in preventing MRONJ and improving postoperative healing in patients undergoing tooth extraction while receiving these medications. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL was conducted from inception to 1 June 2026. Studies comparing tooth extraction with PRF versus tooth extraction alone in patients receiving antiresorptive and/or antiangiogenic therapy were included. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random-effects models. An exploratory subgroup analysis by PRF subtype (L-PRF versus A-PRF) was conducted for the healing outcome, and a sensitivity analysis restricted to studies with moderate risk of bias was performed for the MRONJ outcome. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. The primary outcome was MRONJ occurrence, and the secondary outcome was postoperative healing. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and seven contributed data to at least one meta-analysis. For MRONJ, six study cohorts involving 370 patients were analysed. PRF was associated with a significantly lower risk of MRONJ compared with extraction alone (RR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.15-0.57; p = 0.0003; I² = 30%). A sensitivity analysis restricted to the two moderate-risk-of-bias studies yielded a consistent directional effect (RR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02-0.69; p = 0.02; I² = 0%), though based on very limited data. For postoperative healing, six studies involving 512 patients were included. PRF was associated with improved healing outcomes overall (RR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.11-1.54; p = 0.001; I² = 69%). Subgroup analysis by PRF subtype demonstrated a significant effect for L-PRF (RR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.07-1.73; p = 0.01; I² = 75%) but not for A-PRF (RR = 1.22; 95% CI: 0.99-1.52; p = 0.07; I² = 31%), with no statistically significant difference between subgroups (p = 0.51). The certainty of evidence was rated as Very Low for both outcomes according to GRADE. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that adjunctive PRF may be associated with a reduced risk of MRONJ and improved healing following tooth extraction in patients receiving antiresorptive and/or antiangiogenic medications. However, these findings are based predominantly on observational studies with serious risk of bias and relatively small sample sizes, and the certainty of evidence is Very Low. Further well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm the magnitude and consistency of these potential benefits.
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