The application of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in maxillary sinus augmentation

Since the introduction of sinus augmentation in the 1970s the procedure has been performed with or without biomaterials. Autologous blood products (ABPs) for use in sinus augmentation was first introduced in the 2000s, to aid potentially in bone and soft tissue healing.

Three different applications of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in maxillary sinus augmentation are presented in this case series. In case 1, L-PRF is used in bilateral sinus augmentation to support placement of implants to support a maxillary hybrid denture. Case 2 highlights the use of L-PRF in a complication associate with Schneiderian membrane elevation. Case 3 provides histology taken at the time of implant placement 6 months following L-PRF/xenograft sinus augmentation.

All cases resulted in the successful placement of dental implants. In case 2, an osseodensification procedure was performed with freeze-dried bone allograft, which provided an approximate 4 mm of additional vertical height for implant placement. Histology from case 3 at 6 months post sinus augmentation demonstrated the presence of new vital bone in contact with the xenograft.

To date, there is only a limited amount of evidence reporting on platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or L-PRF use in maxillary sinus augmentation. Bone gain from either product has ranged from 3.2 to 11.8 mm, with the percentage of newly formed bone reported in case series as 33% ± 5%. Despite the lack of strong evidence, L-PRF appears to have beneficial effects on bone regeneration when used in sinus augmentation.