Effects of Platelet Concentrates Used in Alveolar Ridge Preservation: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the review was to investigate the efficacy of platelet concentrates (containing pure platelet-rich plasma, leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma, pure platelet-rich fibrin, and leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin) used in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP), especially the changes in alveolar width and height.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized clinical trials that compared the efficiency of platelet concentrates used in ARP were searched till June 2017 in 6 databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBOSE, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, and AMED. A meta-analysis would be performed if the heterogeneity was acceptable.

RESULTS: Five articles were included in the qualitative analysis. A meaningful meta-analysis could not be performed because of the obvious heterogeneities among studies. Three studies showed that leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin had a benefit in preserving ridge width or height or both, whereas 2 studies showed that platelet-rich plasma had no significant benefit.

CONCLUSION: The effects of different kinds of platelet concentrates used in ARP might be different. Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin might have a more positive effect on alveolar width and height preservation than platelet-rich plasma. However, randomized clinical trials included in the review were few and the strong evidence on this topic was not yet enough.