Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin is an effective membrane for lateral ridge augmentation: An in vivo study using a canine model with surgically created defects

Background Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has been suggested to enhance bone healing and the effects of L-PRF need to be evaluated in lateral residual alveolar bone augmentation. This in vivo study aimed to analyze the effects of L-PRF as a membrane on bone regeneration in lateral residual alveolar augmentation. Methods Eight mongrel dogs were used; the mandibular premolars were extracted and then three lateral ridge defects were surgically created on each side of the arch. After 4 weeks, guided bone ridge augmentation was performed in each defect with the following treatment groups: N+D (nonresorbable membrane with deproteinized bovine bone mineral [DBBM]), N+B (nonresorbable membrane with beta-tricalcium phosphate [beta-TCP]), R+D (resorbable membrane with DBBM), R+B (resorbable membrane with beta-TCP), and P+D (L-PRF with DBBM), and P+B (L-PRF and beta-TCP). Following 4 weeks of bone healing, the new bone amount for each group was measured by light microscopy (primary outcome) and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) (secondary outcome). The mean values were compared at the 0.05 significance level. Results The P+D group showed the most newly formed bone in histology and in micro-CT analyses. L-PRF was more effective in bone regeneration when compared to nonresorbable and resorbable barrier membranes. Additionally, this study indicated DBBM was the more favorable osseous graft material for bone regeneration than beta-TCP when barrier membranes are used. Conclusion From the results of this in vivo study using surgically created defects, L-PRF plays an effective role as a barrier membrane for lateral ridge augmentation. L-PRF may be an excellent barrier membrane in place of other nonresorbable and resorbable membranes. L-PRF can be an effective membrane for lateral ridge bone augmentation in surgically created defects.