Histological analysis of bone three months after the treatment of oroantral communication with autologous platelet-rich fibrin - a case series

Introduction. Oroantral communication (OAC) closure may be accompanied with hard and soft tissue defects. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is the second-generation platelet concentrate that can be an effective therapeutic option for the closure of defects up to 5mm. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate whether the PRF could be a viable therapeutic option for OAC closure and provide sufficient bone quality/quantity for the forthcoming implant placement. Outlines of cases. The case series included 8 patients treated with PRF due to the presence of OAC less than 3mm in diameter. Three months after the surgery, at the time of implant placement, bone samples were harvested and taken for histological analysis. The results demonstrated success in all eight cases, obtaining the hard and soft tissue healing. Histological analysis showed that newly formed bone was present on all histological samples, without visible signs of inflammation and necrosis. Conclusion. PRF could be a viable therapeutic option for OAC closure in specific clinical cases, but future randomized, controlled, clinical studies are required for more conclusive results.