Titanium-Prepared Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Extraction Socket Healing

Overview

Alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction is important for maintaining bone volume and facilitating future implant placement. Titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) is an autologous platelet concentrate that may enhance soft and hard tissue healing through the sustained release of growth factors. However, clinical evidence regarding its effect on socket healing remains limited. The aim of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of T-PRF on alveolar socket healing following tooth extraction. Participants requiring tooth extraction and subsequent implant placement are randomly assigned to either a T-PRF group or a spontaneous healing (control) group. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is used to evaluate socket healing volumetrically. The primary outcome is the percentage of socket fill and residual non-ossified socket volume after 3 months. Secondary outcomes include baseline socket volume and postoperative clinical healing. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of T-PRF in enhancing alveolar socket healing and preserving ridge dimensions before implant placement.

Tooth extraction is commonly followed by physiological alveolar bone resorption, which may compromise subsequent implant placement. Alveolar ridge preservation techniques have been developed to minimize post-extraction dimensional changes. Titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) is an autologous platelet concentrate prepared in titanium tubes without anticoagulants and has been proposed to enhance wound healing and bone regeneration through the sustained release of growth factors. This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Periodontology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University. Patients requiring tooth extraction followed by implant placement were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and provided written informed consent before participation. Participants were randomly allocated to either the T-PRF group or the spontaneous healing (control) group. In the intervention group, T-PRF was prepared from autologous venous blood using titanium tubes and placed into the extraction socket immediately after atraumatic tooth extraction. In the control group, extraction sockets were allowed to heal spontaneously without the use of any socket preservation material. All surgical procedures were performed by the same experienced operator, and postoperative care was standardized for all participants. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained approximately 10 days after extraction (baseline) and again at 3 months before implant placement. Volumetric measurements were performed using dedicated imaging software by a blinded examiner. The primary outcome was the percentage of socket fill and residual non-ossified socket volume after 3 months. Secondary outcomes included baseline socket volume and clinical healing during the postoperative period. The results of this study will contribute to the clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of T-PRF as a minimally invasive autologous biomaterial for enhancing extraction socket healing prior to implant placement.