Effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin and elastic bandage application on postoperative pain, edema and recovery following impacted molar surgery: a prospective randomized clinical study

Purpose: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and elastic bandage application on postoperative pain (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]), edema, and oral health–related quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 [OHIP-14]) on postoperative days 3 and 7 following impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Materials and Methods: Forty-four systemically healthy patients aged 18–35 years were randomly assigned to three groups: PRF (n=15), elastic bandage (n=15), and control (n=14). In the PRF group, PRF was placed in the extraction socket. In the elastic bandage group, an extraoral elastic bandage was applied for 3 days postoperatively. Evaluations were performed preoperatively and on postoperative days 3 and 7. Pain was assessed using the NRS, edema through anthropometric measurements, and quality of life using the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Results: On postoperative day 3, the mean pain score was 3.20 ± 1.82 in the PRF group and 5.57 ± 1.83 in the control group. The mean OHIP-14 score was 9.87 ± 7.65 in the PRF group and 22.36 ± 9.66 in the control group. The elastic bandage group demonstrated lower edema values compared with the control group. Conclusion: PRF was effective in reducing postoperative pain and improving quality of life, whereas elastic bandage application was beneficial in minimizing postoperative edema. Both approaches may serve as useful non-pharmacological adjuncts to enhance postoperative comfort after third molar surgery.