The Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Regeneration around Dental Implant Defects

Hong, Ki Seok; Lim, Sung Bin; Chung, Chin Hyung; Lee, Chong Heon

Abstract

The current interest in periodontal tissue regeneration has lead to research in bone graft, root surface treatments, guided-tissue regeneration, and the administration of growth factors as possible means of regenerating lost periodontal tissue. Several studies have shown that a strong correlation between platelet-rich plasma and the stimulation of remodeling and remineralization of grafted bone exists, resulting in a possible increase of 15-30% in the density of bone trabeculae. The purpose of this study was to study the histopathological correlation between the use of platelet-rich plasma and a bone xenograft used in conjunction with a non-resorbable guided-tissue membrane, e-PTFE, compared to a control group with regards to bone regeneration at the implant fixture site. Implant fixtures were inserted and graft materials placed into the left femur of in the experimental group, while the control group received only implant fixtures. In the first experimental group, platelet-rich plasma and BBP xenograft were placed at the implant fixture site, and the second experimental group had platelet-rich plasma, BBP xenograft, and the e-PTFE membrane placed at the fixture site. The degree of bone regeneration adjacent to the implant fixture was observed and compared histopathologically at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after implant fixture insertion. The results of the experiment are as follows: 1. The rate of osseointegration to the fixture threads was found to be greater in the first experimental group compared to the control group. 2. The histopathological findings of the second experimental group showed rapid resorption of BBP with subsequent new bone formation replacing the resorbed BBP. 3. The second experimental group showed new bone formation in the area adjacent to the fixture threads beginning two weeks after fixture implantation, with continued bone remodeling in the areas mesial and distal to the fixture. 4. Significant new bone formation and bone remodeling was observed in both experimental groups near the implant fixture sites. 5. The rate of osseointegration at the fixture threads was greater in the second experimental group compared to the first group, and the formation of new bone and trabeculae around the fixture site occurred after the fourth week in the second experimental group. The results of the experiment suggest that a greater degree of new bone formation and osseointegration can occur at the implant fixture site by utilizing platelet-rich plasma and bone xenografts, and that these effects can be accelerated and enhanced by concurrent use of a non-resorbable guided tissue membrane.