Composite alloplastic biomaterial vs. Autologous platelet-rich fibrin in ridge preservation

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the clinical and histological differences of using a combination of alloplastic beta triphasic calcium phosphate (β--TCP) and a cross--linked collagen membrane versus autologous platelet--rich fibrin (PRF--L) in ridge preservation after dental extraction. Material and methods: Fifty--one patients were included in this observational case--series study. Dental extractions were performed, after which 25 patients were grafted with β--TCP and 26 with PRF--L. After four months of healing, clinical, radiological, histomorphometric and histological evaluations were performed. Results: A significantly higher percentage of mineralized tissue was observed in samples from the PRF--L grafted areas. Cellularity was higher in PRF--L grafted areas (osteocytes in newly formed bone per mm² = 123.25 (5.12) vs. 84.02 (26.53) for PRF--L and β--TCP, respectively, p = 0.01). However, sockets grafted with PRF--L showed a higher reduction in the bucco-lingual dimension after four months of healing (2.19 (0.80) vs. 1.16 (0.55) mm, p < 0.001), as well as a higher alteration in the final position of the mid muco--gingival junction (1.73 (1.34) vs. 0.88 (0.88) mm, p < 0.01). Conclusion: PRF--L concentrate accelerates wound healing in post--extraction sockets in terms of new mineralized tissue component. However, the use of β--TCP biomaterial appears to be superior to maintain bucco--lingual volume and the final position of the muco--gingival junction.