Histological findings in post-extraction sockets after alveolar ridge preservation with leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin: a randomized clinical trial
In brief
L-PRF sockets more often had over 50% new bone: 54% vs 31%
In this randomized study of 26 patients, biopsies taken 12 weeks after extraction showed over 50% new bone in 7 of 13 sockets treated with leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin, compared with 4 of 13 treated with graft and membrane. Several bone-remodeling features were also more common with L-PRF, but the small exploratory study does not establish better implant outcomes.
- Journal
- Journal of applied oral science : revista FOB (Q2)
- Published
- 28 September 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Maria Pavli, Maria Georgaki, Nadia Theologie-Lygidakis, Nikolaos Nikitakis, Christos Perisanidis
- PMID
- 42820527
- DOI
- 10.1590/1678-7765-2026-0283
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Histology (top studies of the week, 4 October 2026): Higher new bone formation and vascularization with L-PRF
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has gained considerable attention due to its regenerative potential and biocompatibility in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the histological findings in post-extraction sockets after ARP with L-PRF (experimental group) and compare them with those obtained using allograft plus a collagen membrane (control group). Histological findings may contribute to the evaluation of bone quality and the rate of bone remodelling. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-six sites in 26 patients requiring extraction of a single-rooted maxillary or mandibular tooth were included in this study. Treatment options were randomly assigned. Post-extraction sockets were filled with either an L-PRF matrix or an allograft covered with a collagen membrane. Dental implant placement was performed subsequently. After 12 weeks, bone biopsies were obtained from the sites at the time of implant placement. Histological evaluation of the bone specimens assessed the area of new bone formation and the presence of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteolytic lacunae, osteocytes, and blood vessels. RESULTS: Histological evaluation showed that: a) the proportion of cases with >50% new bone formation was higher in the experimental group compared to the control group (53.8% [7/13] versus 30.8% [4/13]) (p=0.033) b) the presence of osteoblasts was higher (p=0.066) in the experimental group (100% versus 76.9%); c) the presence of osteoclasts was higher (p=0.004) in the experimental group (92.3% versus 38.5%); d) the presence of osteolytic lacunae was higher (p=0.063) in the experimental group (92.3% versus 61.5%); e) the presence of osteocytes was higher (p=0.03) in the experimental group (100% versus 69.2%); and f) the presence of blood vessels was higher (p=0.016) in the experimental group (84.6% versus 38.5%). The presence of osteoblasts and osteolytic lacunae were higher but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, ARP with L-PRF may result in accelerated healing, improved bone quality, and a higher rate of bone remodelling. These results reflect the exploratory nature of this study and support the need of additional research, preferably with a larger sample size.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.