Tomographic and histomorphometric evaluation of socket healing after tooth extraction using leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin: A randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial

The use of platelet concentrate in alveolar ridge preservation has been broadly studied. However, no randomized clinical trials with histomorphometric analysis and low risk of bias are available in the literature. We conducted a prospective, single-blind, parallel, randomized, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in socket preservation after tooth extraction. Additionally, the effect of L-PRF on bone formation was analyzed histologically using bone biopsy specimens obtained during implant placement. A total of 48 subjects who underwent a non-molar tooth extraction were randomly assigned to the L-PRF group (n = 24) or the control group (n = 24). Cone-beam computed tomographies were performed immediately after tooth extraction and at 3 months after tooth extraction, prior to implant surgery. A significant difference in bone resorption was registered 1 mm below the crest: 0.93 ± 0.9 mm for the L-PRF group and 2.27 ± 1.2 mm for the control group (p = 0.0001). Histomorphometric analysis showed a higher percentage of new bone formation in the L-PRF group compared with the control group. The values were 55.96 ± 11.97% and 39.69 ± 11.13%, respectively (p = 0.00001). These findings indicate that the administration of L-PRF should always be considered when socket preservation is planned (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03408418).