July 2022

Aim: To assess the possible added value of using i-PRF in association with bone replacement graft filling the buccal gap distance at immediately placed dental implant on hard and soft tissues after 6 months observation period. Materials and methods: Sixteen non-smoking periodontally free patients with single non restorable tooth in the esthetic zone were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups each of 8 implants, Test group, immediate implant placement and filling of a buccal gap of > 2mm between the implant surface and the inner bony wall with bovine bone mineral mixed with injectable platelet rich fibrin, control group; immediate implant placement and filling of a buccal gap of > 2mm with only bovine bone graft. Horizontal buccal bone changes, crestal bone level and bone density at 6 months were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Thickness of attached gingiva was also evaluated at 6 months compared to the initial levels Results: The mean buccal horizontal bone thickness was insignificantly reduced at 6 month evaluation period in both groups with no significant differences between groups. No significant difference was observed in crestal bone height between the two groups. At 6 month evaluation period bone density was significantly increased in the test group (p =0.002) compared to control. No significant differences were found between the pre-operative and post-operative gingival biotype in both groups Conclusion: This study demonstrated that immediate implantation in fresh extraction socket together with xenograft in combination with i-PRF could have an added value of improved bone density, a factor that could be associated with long term crestal bone level stability.