Clinical Assessment of the Efficacy of Platelet -Rich Fibrin (PRF) Combined with Bioactive Glass in Socket Preservation to Evaluate Bone Healing Rates and Clinical Performance of Implant Therapy: An Original Research Study

Aim

This study assesses the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) combined with bioactive glass in socket preservation to evaluate bone healing rates and the clinical performance of implant therapy. Materials and Methods: The study involves 60 patients with severe dental issues, specifically cracked or missing teeth in the mandibular premolar area, seeking implant replacements. Participants aged 18 to 65 undergo extraction of anterior or premolar teeth with minimally compromised buccal bone. Patients are randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group A receives autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP); Group B is treated with synthetic bioactive glass grafts; and Group C receives a combination known as "sticky bone." PRP preparation involves drawing 10–20 mL of blood and double-centrifugation to concentrate the platelets. Following atraumatic extraction and socket debridement, each group’s graft material is placed, and sockets are covered with a resorbable collagen membrane or PRP-derived plug. Postoperative care includes pain management and oral hygiene, with follow-ups for suture removal and healing evaluation. After a healing period of four to six months, implants are placed using a flap or flapless approach. Clinical and radiographic evaluations will assess changes in alveolar ridge dimensions using CBCT imaging. Statistical analysis will compare results across groups using ANOVA and Chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Statistical Analysis and Results: Participants were studied into three treatment groups: Group A received autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Group B was treated with synthetic bioactive glass grafts, and Group C underwent a combination of both, known as "sticky bone." Analysis of alveolar ridge height and width revealed that Groups A and B experienced greater bone resorption on the buccal side compared to the palatal/lingual side, with p-values of 0.002 and 0.018, respectively. Group C showed superior stability with no significant difference in bone loss (p = 0.395) and minimized width loss, achieving only 1.54 mm at the 1 mm level and 0.78 mm at the 5 mm level. Statistical analyses highlighted significant differences across all treatment groups (p = 0.000). Group A had the greatest width reduction, while Group C was the most effective in maintaining alveolar ridge dimensions. Overall, the combination of PRP and bioactive glass grafts showed the best outcomes for preserving both ridge height and width, providing valuable insights for future restorative dentistry strategies.