RESUMO
PURPOSE: Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has been used for alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) in postextraction tooth sockets. However, current reports have measured its effectiveness in linear measurements of 3-dimensional ridge preservation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the use of L-PRF filling versus natural clot blood healing in ARP according to the clinical, radiographic, and volumetric measurements of postextraction tooth sockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A split-mouth randomized clinical trial was designed. Healthy patients who needed bilateral extraction of upper third molars were selected. After the tooth extraction, the socket was filled and distributed randomly with L-PRF and the contralateral socket only with the blood clot. The dimensional change of soft tissue healing around the sockets, and the length, depth, and difference of bone formation were examined using standardized periapical radiographs. Volumetric measurement variation of the sockets was evaluated by 3-dimensional scanning of dental casts. Changes of all measures were analyzed at 7 days (initial) and 3 months (final) after the tooth extraction and compared between both groups (t test; P < .05). RESULTS: Sixteen patients (aged 24.75 ± 3.53 years; 56.25% women) participated. Measurements of wound healing and the length, depth, and difference of bone formation were similar for both study groups at initial and final times. The calculation of initial-final volumetric socket variation was 15.45 ± 13.12 µL using L-PRF and 14.12 ± 11.23 µL using blood clot (P = .78). CONCLUSIONS: L-PRF filling showed the same dimensional and volumetric behavior as normal blood clot healing in the ARP of postextraction tooth sockets. Future investigations will have to analyze the use of surgical models and digital instruments in ARP techniques.