ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: As a blood concentrate rich in growth factors and fibrin, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is able to significantly promote bone regeneration. PRF mixed with bone substitutes is commonly used to repair bone defects in oral maxillofacial region. But it remains controversial whether PRF as a sole material in sinus floor elevation can produce enough new bone tissues.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the osteogenic potential of PRF as a sole grafting material in sinus floor elevation by means of an animal model.METHODS: Twelve healthy adult mongrel dogs aged 12-18 months were selected and randomized into three groups (groups A, B and C), with four dogs in each group. Upper first molars on both side of each dog were extracted 12 weeks prior to sinus floor elevation and simultaneous implants placement. Different materials were used to fill in the space between the sinus membrane and implant. Groups A, B and C were filled with PRF, autologus bone particles and autologus blood clot respectively. After 12 weeks, specimens were harvested to analyze the new bone formation by gross observation, X-ray examination and histological evaluation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: New bone formation was found to embrace all the implants close to the bony sinus floor, and the tips of all implants were free from bone coverage. The new bone height of groups A, B and C were (3.135±0.288),(3.218±0.345), and (1.898±0.157) mm, respectively. The new bone density of groups A, B and C were (65.06±5.88),(75.34±8.18), and (56.92±4.95) g/cm3, respectively. There were significant differences between the new bone height in groups A and C as well as in groups B and C (P < 0.05). Also, significant differences were found between the new bone density in groups A and B, B and C, A and C (P < 0.05). Within the confine of this experiment, it is feasible to use PRF as a sole grafting material in the sinus floor elevation to generate new bone, but the new bone volume is limited.