Plasma rich in growth factors in human extraction sockets: a radiographic and histomorphometric study on early bone deposition

Objectives To determine whether and to what extent the additional application of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) to an extraction socket may influence the early bone deposition, as assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scan as well as histomorphometric markers. Material and methods Twenty-eight patients (age range: 34–74 years) contributing 36 extraction sockets were included in the study. Sockets were either treated with PRGF (PRGF group; 18 sites in 11 patients) or left to spontaneous healing (control group; 18 sites in 17 patients). Radiographic and histomorphometric analysis was performed on bone cores trephined from each healing socket after 4–6 (T1) or 7–10 (T2) weeks of healing. Results Patients treated with PRGF application showed (i) similar bone volume and tissue mineral content, (ii) a trend, although not statistically significant, toward a greater number of CD68+ cells (at T1 and T2) and vVW+ cells (at T1), and (iii) a similar OCN staining score throughout the study, when compared with control group. Conclusions Plasma rich in growth factors-treated group did not show any enhancement in early (4 and 8 weeks) bone deposition compared with control group.