Autologous platelet concentrate for post-extraction socket healing: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) are theorized to improve hard and soft tissue healing via released growth factors.
• The efficacy of APCs in oral surgery, particularly for tooth extraction socket healing, remains controversial.
• Tooth extraction sockets offer a suitable model to assess APCs due to concurrent hard and soft tissue healing processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the efficacy of platelet concentrates in promoting alveolar socket healing post-tooth extraction.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.
• Included RCTs involved fresh extraction sockets, a minimum of 10 patients (5 per group), and a 3-month follow-up.
• Primary outcomes included postoperative complications, patient satisfaction, and discomfort; secondary outcomes assessed tissue healing clinically, radiographically, histologically, and histomorphometrically.

Main Results:

• Six RCTs (199 teeth, 156 patients) met inclusion criteria; study quality varied (1 low, 2 medium, 3 high risk of bias).
• Meta-analysis of two studies showed significantly greater bone formation (20.41% increase) with APCs at 3 months (P <0.001).
• Beneficial effects on soft tissue healing and patient-reported symptoms were generally noted but not systematically quantifiable.

Conclusions:

• Meta-analysis results suggest APCs may positively influence bone formation in extraction sockets.
• Limited quantity and quality of evidence necessitate cautious interpretation of findings.
• Standardized experimental designs are crucial for a clearer understanding of APCs' role in socket healing.