Radiographic Evaluation in Alveolar Preservation Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin. Randomized Controlled Trial

There are many clinical reasons for tooth extraction due to caries, periodontal disease, trauma, infection or the need to gain space due to orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to radiographically evaluate the preservation of the dental alveolus using platelet-rich fibrin. A total of 17 alveoli without PRF and 19 alveoli with PRF were analyzed, with an initial cephalocaudal height of 10.5 mm in both groups. The dimensional changes of the crest were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images acquired 30 and 120 days post-extraction. In the cephalocaudal height at 120 days, a difference of 0.99 mm was identified in the alveolar height of both groups. The group with PRF had a greater height reaching an average of 10.30 mm, regarding to the depth measured at 1 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm, no significant differences were identified between both groups at 30 and 120 days, however, it is highlighted that those alveoli with PRF presented a lower bone loss in depth (1,3,5 mm) of 8.06mm, 8.45mm and 9.04mm. PRF filling effectivily preserves the dimensions of the alveolar crest in height, depth and bone tissue quality following extraction.