Effectiveness of naturally derived bovine hydroxyapatite (Cerabone™) combined with platelet-rich fibrin matrix in socket preservation: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Socket preservation is the procedure which is carried out at the time of extraction to enhance the esthetic predictability of prosthesis and to reduce the number of surgical interventions by minimizing the crestal bone loss. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of natural bovine hydroxyapatite and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) matrix along with collagen plug to unassisted natural healing in extraction sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 25 patients of age 17–50 years who require extraction of at least two teeth which were not adjacent to each other were included in the study. One site in each patient was subjected to ridge preservation procedure using Cerabone™ PRF along with collagen plug and the other site was subjected to atraumatic extraction alone. Parameters such as loss of ridge width and loss of ridge height were measured clinically and radiographically at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS: The mean loss of width was found to be 2.75 mm (2.75 ± 1.49) at the control site compared to 1.47 mm (1.47 ± 1.44) at the test site. The test site showed 2.31 mm bone fill, (8.7%) compared to the control site. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, the results suggest that socket preservation procedure is a reliable method that minimizes the alveolar bone loss.