Meta-analysis of the effect of platelet-rich fibrin in alveolar ridge preservation

To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before August 25, 2020 about the use of PRF after tooth extraction were searched through the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, HowNet, Wanfang, CBM databases and clinical trial registration centers in China and the United States. Outcome indicators included in the studies included dry socket occurrence, alveolar bone resorption in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the percentage of new bone. Meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager Version 5.3 software.

A total of 706 studies were retrieved. After screening, 8 studies were analyzed quantitatively. Meta-analysis results showed that PRF could reduce the absorption of alveolar bone after tooth extraction, which reduced the horizontal bone mass (WMD＝-0.71, 95% CI＝-1.11 to -0.32, P < 0.05) and buccal (WMD＝-1.38, 95% CI ＝-1.87 to -0.88, P < 0.05) and lingual sides (WMD＝-0.49, 95% CI＝-0.92 to -0.06, P < 0.05) and increased the percentage of new bone (SMD＝1.24, 95% CI ＝0.25 to 2.23, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in preventing the occurrence of dry socket (RD < 0.01, 95% CI＝-0.05 to 0.04, P＝0.95) and reducing bone absorption in the vertical direction of mesial (WMD ＝-0.11, 95% CI＝-1.17 to 0.95, P＝0.84) and distal (WMD＝-0.66, 95% CI＝-1.93 to 0.60, P＝0.30) alveolar ridge after tooth extraction.

Using PRF alone after tooth extraction can effectively preserve bone mass in the horizontal direction of the alveolar ridge and the vertical direction of the buccal and lingual sides.