Ridge Augmentation using palatal bone block with and without PRF

The present study was conducted to compare clinically and radiographically the outcome of using Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) autologous graft in enhancing the augmentation results of palatal autogenous bone blocks.

Method:

Twelve patients with fourteen sites (two bilateral patients) that suffered from horizontal alveolar bone defects in the anterior maxillary ridge(less than 4mm) with one or two missing teeth space were augmented with autogenous palatal bone blocks 4 months prior to implant placement. Patients were split into two groups, in one group L-PRF membrane was used to cover the block and in the other group the block was solely used. Bone width was measured with a calliper before augmentation, at 0 and 4 months. CBCT scans were performed before augmentation procedure and after 4 months of augmentation prior to implant placement.  

Result:

All the autografts of the test group integrated successfully while one graft from the control group failed after 4 months.

There was a statistically significant difference in the resorption percentage between the two groups on re-entry. The L-PRF group showed 21.59% bone resorption vs. 39.96% for the control group, respectively. (Mean bone resorption L-PRF group: 0.763mm ±0.150, mean bone resorption control group: 1.607mm ±0.235, p= 0.003)

There was no statistical significant difference in the grey scale (bone density) voxel value of the CBCT between both groups. (Mean grey scale voxel units L-PRF group: 861.43 ± 62.47 , Mean grey scale voxel units control group: 698.67 ± 67.85 , p = 0.05)

Conclusion:

Palatal block autograft resorption rate is significantly decreased by the use of L-PRF membrane coverage although no improvement in bone density was observed.