Plasma rich in growth factors in human extraction sockets: a radiographic and histomorphometric study on early bone deposition.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether and to what extent the additional application of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) to an extraction socket may influence the early bone deposition, as assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scan as well as histomorphometric markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (age range: 34-74 years) contributing 36 extraction sockets were included in the study. Sockets were either treated with PRGF (PRGF group; 18 sites in 11 patients) or left to spontaneous healing (control group; 18 sites in 17 patients). Radiographic and histomorphometric analysis was performed on bone cores trephined from each healing socket after 4-6 (T1) or 7-10 (T2) weeks of healing. RESULTS: Patients treated with PRGF application showed (i) similar bone volume and tissue mineral content, (ii) a trend, although not statistically significant, toward a greater number of CD68+ cells (at T1 and T2) and vVW+ cells (at T1), and (iii) a similar OCN staining score throughout the study, when compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma rich in growth factors-treated group did not show any enhancement in early (4 and 8 weeks) bone deposition compared with control group.