Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) mixed xenograft in alveolar ridge preservation of chronically infected socket

Abstract

Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) is an alternative treatment option to immediate implant at the time of tooth extraction to minimize alveolar ridge resorption and maximizing bone formation within the socket for future implant placement. That includes bone substitute covered with membrane or by flap advancement to achieve complete or partial wound closure. Using bone graft in the presence of infection is a sensitive procedure. Before grafting procedure in infected socket, infection must be controlled to maintain a field suitable for bone regeneration and prevent deficient bone formation. Certain protocol is followed for grafting any chronic infected socket which include complete removal of infected tissues, primary closure and maintaining adequate blood supply to the graft to ensure success. L-PRF is a natural scaffold that contains leukocytes and platelets trapped in strong fibrin network. Fibrin provides natural reservoir for growth factors liberated from platelets degranulation. L-PRF can be used in extraction socket as a filling material and to enhance the natural healing process simultaneously. L-PRF mixed with bone graft in socket preservation has many advantages of enhancing graft volume and quality by creating regeneration room sealed from the oral cavity to avoid open healing state and subsequent biomaterial loss and infection.