The clinical applications of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin combined with photobiomodulation in regenerative dentistry: A literature review

Authors

• Maryam Pourhajibagher, Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
• Rashin Bahrami, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranFollow
• Abbas Bahador, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Regenerative dentistry seeks to restore oral tissues through biologically driven therapies that stimulate endogenous healing. Among these, autologous platelet concentrates—namely platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)—serve as reservoirs of growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which promote angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix formation. Complementing these biological mediators, photobiomodulation (PBM) represents a non-invasive light-based therapy that enhances mitochondrial activity, modulates inflammation, and accelerates tissue regeneration. Accumulating evidence suggests that combining PRP or PRF with PBM produces synergistic effects that surpass those achieved by either modality alone. Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate enhanced angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and wound healing, supported by improved cellular metabolism, growth factor bioavailability, and fibrin architecture. The combined PRP/PRF–PBM approach has shown clinical efficacy across multiple regenerative contexts, including periodontal regeneration, dental implantology, socket preservation, regenerative endodontics, and the management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Additionally, PRP and PRF exhibit antimicrobial effects against key oral pathogens, further reinforcing their therapeutic value. Despite promising results, outcome variability due to differences in preparation methods and PBM parameters highlights the need for standardization and rigorous clinical validation. As understanding deepens, integrating platelet concentrates with PBM may become a cornerstone of evidence-based regenerative dentistry, offering a comprehensive strategy that unites antimicrobial action with enhanced tissue repair.

Recommended Citation

Pourhajibagher, Maryam; Bahrami, Rashin; and Bahador, Abbas (2026) "The clinical applications of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin combined with photobiomodulation in regenerative dentistry: A literature review," Journal of Dental Sciences: Vol. 21: Iss. 4, Article 3.
Available at: https://jds.ads.org.tw/journal/vol21/iss4/3

Publication Date

2026

Received Date

Feb 10 2026

Accepted Date

Feb 21 2026

Final Revision Date

Feb 21 2026