ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The healing potential of platelet growth factors has generated interest in using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in ridge preservation procedures. A canine study was performed to determine if extraction sites treated with platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) exhibit enhanced healing compared to sites treated with non-viable materials. METHODS: Four dog's extraction sockets were treated individually with PRFM, PRFM and membrane, Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA) and membrane, PRFM and DFDBA, and untreated control. Treatment sequencing permitted clinical and histologic evaluation of healing at 10 days, 2, 3, 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Healing was more rapid in the PRFM and PRFM and membrane sites. By 3 weeks those sockets had osseous fill. Sites containing DFDBA had little new bone at 6 weeks. By 12 weeks those sockets had osseous fill but DFDBA particles were still noted in coronal areas. CONCLUSIONS: PRFM alone may be the best graft for ridge preservation procedures. ADVANTAGES: faster healing, and elimination of disadvantages involved in using barrier membranes.
