Socket Preservation Using Dense Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes and Platelet-Rich Plasma

Socket preservation (SP) is a method aimed at reducing the post-extraction resorption of the alveolar crest and promoting bone deposition in the socket. It involves procedures such as atraumatic tooth extraction, guided regeneration with barrier membranes and bone substitutes, socket sealing, and immediate implant placement. This research aims to evaluate the influence of the combination of dense polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE) membranes and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the vertical post-extraction resorption at the premolar and molar sites. Forty participants, aged 18-65 years, who needed extraction of a premolar or molar were enrolled and randomly assigned to an experimental group (SP with d-PTFE membrane and PRP) or a control group (spontaneous socket healing). The results demonstrated that SP with non-porous PTFE membranes and PRP reduced vertical bone resorption at the premolar and molar sites. Data analysis suggested that the buccal plate width influences the amount of its vertical resorption, but not as much as the management of the post-extraction socket (SP versus spontaneous socket healing). Further longitudinal randomized controlled trials are necessary to clarify which factors influence post-extraction ridge resorption and evaluate the success of different SP techniques.