Comparative evaluation of implant stability with and without autologous platelet-rich fibrin prior to prosthetic loading - A split-mouth randomized clinical trial

J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2022 Mar-Apr;26(2):137-142. doi: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_74_21. Epub 2022 Mar 1.

Abstract

Context: Status of bone-implant interface or osseointegration can be assessed by using resonance frequency analysis (RFA), which measures implant stability. A modified implant surface can significantly enhance osseointegration and reduce healing period. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) consists of fibrin mesh with entrapped platelets and leukocytes that release a huge number of growth factors which contribute to wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the effect of PRF on osseointegration in terms of implant stability.

Settings and design: This was a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

Materials and methods: Sixty surgical sites were divided randomly into two groups. In Group 1 (thirty sites), PRF was placed in osteotomy sites before implant placement whereas no PRF was placed in Group 2 (thirty sites). Stability was measured using RFA in terms of implant stability quotient (ISQ) at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.

Statistical analysis: Intergroup comparison was done using Mann-Whitney U-test. Intragroup comparison was done using Friedman's test followed by pairwise comparison using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: On intergroup comparison, Group 1 showed higher values for ISQ which were statistically significant (P < 0.05) at 1 week and 1 month. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found at baseline and 3 months. Intragroup comparison and further pairwise comparison revealed a highly significant difference for values between all pairs of time intervals (P < 0.01) with higher values at 3 months.

Conclusions: PRF has a significant effect on osseointegration of dental implants during the early healing period prior to loading.

Keywords: Dental implants; implant stability; osseointegration; platelet-rich fibrin; resonance frequency analysis.