The Effects of the Combined Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Xenograft on Alveolar Socket Healing

Objectives: The combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with anorganic bovine bone (ABB) has prospective values for the alveolar bone ridge preservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PRP combined with ABB to improve the alveolar socket healing. Materials and Methods: Ten post-extractions alveolar sockets were filled with ABB particles mixed with PRP gel and covered with a PRP clot membrane. After 4 months of healing, biopsies were collected from the implant beds sites for histomorphometric analysis. Newly formed bone (NFB), marrow spaces (MS), residual graft (RG) bone regenerative index (Br) and structural density index (Ds) were measured and compared to those published in dental literature selected by PICOT method. Results: In the present study, NFB was 26.5%, MS was 45.6% and RG was 24.5% while, using ABB plus saline solution and collagen membrane Vance et al. reported 26% of NFB, 54% of MS and 16% of RG. The difference was not significant (p> .05). Conversely, the Br indexes were 2.12 ±0.1(our study), 1.89±0.10 (by Vance) while the Ds indexes were 2.7±0.11 (our study), 2.3±0.12 (by Vance). The differences were significant (P=<.001). Conclusion: The ABB-PRP was useful in alveolar socket preservation, demonstrating a significant increase of bone regenerative index and structural bone density. Clinical Relevance: The alveolar socket preservation appears to be a more efficient procedure when ABB is mixed to PRP gel and membrane clot is used.