Leucocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin block for bone augmentation procedure: A proof‐of‐concept study

Aim The objective of this proof‐of‐concept study was to investigate the effects of a new guided bone regeneration technique with a tissue engineering approach. Materials and Methods This single cohort observational study evaluated the outcome of the leucocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐ PRF ) Block for horizontal bone augmentation in the maxilla. The L‐ PRF Block is prepared by mixing a particulated biomaterial with chopped L‐ PRF membranes at a 50:50 ratio and adding liquid fibrinogen to glue all together. Horizontal augmentation was assessed linearly and volumetrically immediately after surgery and 5–8 months later by matching consecutive cone beam computed tomography ( CBCT s). Results Ten patients (mean age of 50.7 years [±17.2]) representing 15 sites with horizontal alveolar deficiencies were included. Superimposition of pre‐operative and posthealing CBCT scans showed an average linear horizontal bone gain of 4.6 mm (±2.3), 5.3 mm (±1.2) and 4.4 mm (±2.3), measured at 2, 6 and 10 mm from the alveolar crest, respectively. The volumetric gain was 1.05 cm 3 (±0.7) on average. The resorption rate after 5–8 months was 15.6% (±6.7) on average. Conclusions L‐ PRF Block may be a suitable technique to augment deficient alveolar ridges.