Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) for soft tissue management in implant placement in fresh extraction sockets.

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to explore the use of Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) membrane in immediate implant cases and monitor the outcomes of soft tissue healing.
Methods: The blood sample was collected without an anticoagulant in 10-mL tubes and immediately centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10 min. The PRF obtained was gently squeezed to a remaining thickness of approximately 1.5 mm. The membranes were placed in two patients in the maxillary posterior sites and the soft tissue healing was monitored periodically.
Results: Our clinical outcomes showed that PRF was instrumental in accelerating healing of the soft tissues without achieving primary closure and the use of a barrier membrane. In both cases the healing was rapid and uneventful.
Conclusions: PRF can be successfully used as an autogenous barrier membrane and also to accelerate the wound healing process.
It can be used to avoid primary closure in immediate implant placement cases where extensive soft tissue mobilization is otherwise required and hence loss of attached gingiva especially on the buccal/labial area can be prevented.
PRF is an efficient and an economical alternative to barrier membranes.