Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of the Effect of Leucocyte Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) Technique Applied in Post-extraction Sockets Before Placement of Dental Implants

Aim of study: The application of L-PRF membrane in post-extraction sockets outmatches the use of a) allograft covered with a collagen fleece b) allograft combined with L-PRF membrane c) natural healing, with reference to bone remodeling and regeneration of post-extraction sockets. Moreover, it will be examined whether the application of L-PRF membrane leads to faster bone maturation and creation of a favorable biological environment for earlier implant placement. Materials and methods: This study is taking place in Athens University Dental School, in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic. All patients participating in the present study received thorough informed consent. All forty patients participating in this study, were subjected in at least one atraumatic and flapless extraction of a single rooted tooth in the maxilla or mandible. Then, the patients were randomly divided in four categories with regards to management of the socket: a) no intervention i.e. Natural healing b) application of L-PRF membrane in the socket c) application of allograft (Phoenix) covered with a collagen fleece d) application of allograft (Phoenix) covered with a L-PRF membrane. Interrupted sutures will be performed for the four extraction socket groups. Radiographic examination (localized CBCT) was obtained immediately before the extraction, as well as three months post-operatively (localized CBCT) in order to assess the changes in the alveolar ridge dimensions. The next stage of the study refers to the rehabilitation of the edentulous region. Before each patient was subjected to dental implant placement, a bone biopsy was obtained. Therefore, all the biopsy specimens obtained went through histological evaluation in order to assess qualitative and quantitative features.

Clinical Evaluation of Gingival Biotype Changes Using a Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) in Combination with Leucocyte and Platelet- Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) Membranes of Different Thickness for the Treatment of RT1 Gingival Recession: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Gingival thickness plays a key role not only in the etiology but also in the treatment of gingival recessions. More recently, authors reported that as the gingival thickness decreases, the gingival recession severity increases . When gingival inflammation occurs, if the tissue is thin the consequent destruction can quickly produce a gingival recession (GR) . When treating a gingival recession, the clinician should aim not only to completely cover the exposed root surface but also to prevent a future recession recurrence. The treatment gold standard is the CAF associated with connective tissue graft. This technique has demonstrated high rates in gingival recession reduction and positive predictability in obtaining complete root coverage. However, some disadvantages about this surgical approach can be easily highlighted: patients experience more discomfort, longer chair-time it's necessary and a second wound area is created. In this scenario, The Platelet rich in fibrin and leucocyte (L-PRF) could be a valuable alternative treatment of gingival defects. It's a platelet concentrate, obtained by a fast and simple procedure that does not require anticoagulant and bovine thrombin. It can also be categorized as a live tissue thanks to platelets, leukocytes, growth factors and stem cells trapped in a polymerized fibrin mesh. L- PRF is used in various fields of regenerative medicine; It promotes stabilization and revascularization of the flaps, contributes to soft tissue wound healing and reduces post-operative discomfort. The purpose of this study will be to evaluate if the different thickness of platelet- rich fibrin (L-PRF) membranes in association with a Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF), for the treatment of RT1 gingival recessions, may influence the Complete Root Coverage (CRC).

Effect of L-PRF on Implant Stability and Marginal Bone Levels.

Osseointegration refers to the formation of a structure and functional bone-to-bone interface, without the interposition of soft tissue. Successful osseointegration is imperative to implant success and relies on a number of factors including implant design, material, surface and finish the bone status, surgical technique and implant loading conditions. Primary implant stability is the bio-mechanical stability achieved for implants at the time of placement and is achieved through micromovements of the implant. Following healing of the osteotomy site and formation of new bone a biological fixation of the implant to bone results and is referred to as secondary implant stability. Such as with osseointegration, there are several factors that affect primary implant stability including insertion torque, implant design, density of bone and surgical technique. To achieve future implant osseointegration, primary stability must first be accomplished. Leukocyte and platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) is formed by centrifuging venous blood using an IntraSpin® machine (U.S Food and Drug Administration approved and CE marked for in-vivo use) at 2700 revolutions per minute for 12 minutes. Following removal from the L-PRF tubes the fibrin clot is separated from the red blood cell clot. The fibrin clot is then transferred to the PRF box and the Xpression™ tray is placed over the fibrin clot and after 5 minutes the L-PRF membrane is ready for use. During the traditional implant placement there is an osteotomy cut in practical terms is a controlled fracture of the bone resulting in rupture of local blood vessels which almost immediately sparks a cascade of healing including hemostasis, inflammation and proliferation of cells and tissue maturation. Our study will include Leukocyte platelet rich fibrin surrounding the implant at the osteotomy site which is a robust fibrin mesh which provides a progressive release of growth factors improving angiogenesis, osteoblastic proliferation, and cell differentiation. L-PRF utilization during implant placement attempts to expedite the process by delivering growth factors to the surface of the implant and surrounding bone promoting the healing process. Experimental research has shown that delivery of molecules or growth factors to an implants surface may increase osteoblast activity and improve functional integration of the implant. Pre-clinical tests have shown that the utilization of platelet growth factors improve wound healing, proliferation of cells and implant osseointegration in animal models. Further pre-clinical studies have shown that L-PRF increased the rate and amount of new bone formation in rabbits. Limited human tests in small populations not including the mandible have shown positive outcomes with improvement in implant stability when L-PRF was utilized during implant placement. High quality clinical evidence on this topic is limited and must be improved to allow clinicians to make evidence-based decisions on L-PRF utilization. The proposed study will be a randomized control trial comparing the use of L-PRF in implant placement versus conventional implant placement. Considering the extra step of phlebotomy and time for centrifuging of the blood samples the literature must show a clinical benefit if this technique is to be utilized into the future. This study aims to add to available clinical evidence and address some of the limitations in current evidence to aid clinicians to make evidence-based decisions on whether to utilize LPRF to improve implant stability and hence earlier loading of implants.

The Effect of Leukocyte and Platelet-rich Fibrin With Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in Aggressive Periodontitis

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is associated with photosensitizing agents which promote the generation of free radicals and singlet oxygen, which are cytotoxic to certain bacteria. Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has been used extensively in the treatment of intrabony defects and achieved excellent results. It acts as an immune regulation node with inflammation control abilities, including a slow continuous release of growth factors which stimulates periodontal regeneration. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adjunctive effects of aPDT with and without L-PRF in aggressive periodontitis patients.