Platelet-Rich Fibrin Low-Speed Centrifugation Protocols in Dental Implants Osseointegration: A Preclinical Study in Rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluated osseointegration in areas grafted with either PRF membranes alone or injectable PRF (i-PRF) with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) in rat tibias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Non-critical bone defects were created in 64 rats, divided into four groups: CO (blood clot), PRF (PRF membranes), BO (DBBM), and SB (i‑PRF with DBBM). Implants (1.4 mm x 2.7 mm) were placed after 60 days. Euthanized at 15 and 45 days, the right tibias underwent micro-computed tomography (μCT) and histomorphometry, while the left tibias were used for biomechanical analysis. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the groups in the removal torque analysis after 15 and 45 days. At 15 days, no significant differences were found between the groups in the μCT analysis. However, a greater volume of mineralized tissues and bone trabeculae was observed in the SB group compared to the PRF and CO groups after 45 days (p<0.05). At 15 days, the PRF group showed the highest bone-to-implant contact (BIC), while the BO group led at 45 days. Significant differences were found between PRF and BO at 15 days (p=0.005) and between BO vs. SB and BO vs. PRF at 45 days. For bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO), PRF had the highest value at 15 days, but BO led at 45 days, with significant changes over time in both BO and CO groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: PRF appears to enhance early healing, but DBBM provided more stable long-term support for bone regeneration around dental implants placed in grafted areas in this study.