Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) for Alveolar Ridge Preservation in the...

Tooth extraction followed by alveolar ridge resorption may compromise the aesthetics and future implant placement, especially in the anterior maxilla. This comparative clinical study assessed the effectiveness of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) for alveolar socket preservation compared with Spontaneous Healing (SH). Twenty extraction sockets were allocated to either of the groups (n = 10 each) and followed for 3 months. Both groups demonstrated dimensional changes following extraction;however, PRGF-treated sockets showed significantly better preservation of the horizontal ridge width at the crest, at 1 mm below the crest, and at 3 mm below the crest compared with SH (all p < 0.001). The PRGF group also demonstrated a significantly smaller decrease in the socket depth and a greater increase in the radiographic bone density (both p < 0.001). Early healing, soft tissue healing, and postoperative pain outcomes were significantly more favorable in the PRGF group during the follow-up period. Histomorphometricanalysis showed no significant difference between the PRGF and SH groups in terms of percentage of new bone formation and connective/ fibrovascular tissue.Though dimensional changes could not be completely prevented, PRGF significantly decreased the post-extraction resorption and improved the tissue quality, signifying its potential as a biologically driven approach for alveolar ridge preservation in the anterior maxilla.