Diode laser photocoagulation versus platelet rich fibrin (PRF) in soft tissue healing over immediately placed implants (a randomized controlled clinical trial)

Background: Soft tissue closure over immediately placed implants is considered one of the challenges that clinicians face after immediate implant placement.Aim: This study aimed to compare clinically and histologically the effect of diode laser versus PRF on soft tissue healing and thickness following placing immediate implants in the posterior area.Materials and methods: A double-blind randomized comparative clinical trial was conducted on 24 patients scheduled for immediate implant placement. Participants were assigned to three groups (8 extraction sockets each). Group I, sockets were sealed by applying PRF after immediate implant placement. Group II: were sealed by applying a 980 nm diode laser. Group III: were closed with figure of 8 sutures. Clinical assessment included pain assessment using visual analogue scale, Landry’s healing index, and midcrestal soft tissue thickness. Measurements were taken at baseline after immediate implant placement, and after 8 weeks. Soft tissue samples were subjected to histological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis. Statistical analysis was carried out.Results: Regarding Landry’s healing index and mid crestal soft tissue thickness, both laser and PRF groups showed significantly better results compared to control group with no significant differences between the two test groups. Histomorphometrically, collagen area percent showed a significant increase in laser group versus control group. Regarding vascular density, a statistically significant increase in laser group was noted compared to control and PRF groups.Conclusions: Both laser and PRF can accelerate soft tissue healing over immediately placed dental implants. Histologically and immunohistochemically, Laser is more superior to PRF regarding vascular density.