Socket preservation using platelet-rich fibrin in conjunction with epithelialized palatal free graft in minipigs

AimTo evaluate the potential of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and epithelialized palatal free graft (FGG) for preserving the alveolar ridge after tooth extraction in minipigs.Materials and methodsForty-eight alveoli from six minipigs were randomly sealed with PRF, FGG, PRF&FGG, and blood clot. After 2, 6 and 12 weeks of healing, alveolar ridge width and height, as well as, radiographic optical density were measured. The decalcified specimens were processed for histological and histomorphometric analysis.ResultsPRF clinically showed early healing of soft tissue covering socket orifices in the first 2 weeks. At the 6th week, the ridge width of PRF (5.2 ± 1.2 mm), FGG (4.4 ± 0.9 mm) and PRF&FGG (4.9 ± 0.6 mm) were better preserved than the control (3.7 ± 1.1 mm) (P > 0.05). Radiographically, the mean bone height/overall height alteration at the 12th week of PRF (8.96/−1.11 mm), FGG (7.99/−1.88 mm), PRF&FGG (8.37/−1.79 mm) and control (8.40/−1.57 mm) were comparable. However, the PRF (158.57 ± 30.74) showed a significant greater bone density than FGG (108.59 ± 29.99) and control (91.31 ± 37.33) (P < 0.05). Histomorphometrically, the newly formed bone in PRF group was increased from 2nd to 12th weeks (42.31–52.00%), while the others showed unchanged percentage (FGG, 42.72–42.00%; PRF&FGG, 42.72–42.00%; control, 39.65–42.74) (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe use of PRF is an effective modality for short-term ridge preservation, while the use of FGG with or without PRF does not demonstrate any effect on early ridge preservation as evidence from clinical, radiographic and histomorphometric analysis.