Guided bone regeneration procedure with platelet rich fibrin (PRF) membranes in the resolution of a severe maxillary bone defect: report of a case

Abstract

Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a new generation autologous platelet concentrate, invented by Choukroun in 2001, consisting of fibrin matrix which releases growth factors and cytokines in a slow and substained way, promoting physiologic healing processes. Its preparation procedure provides a single centrifugation of a venous blood sample without any addition of anticoagulant substances and/or bovine thrombin (or other gelling agents), unlike other platelet concentrates. PRF is a very versatile material which can be used as an adjuvant tool for regenerative surgery of both hard and soft tissues in the form of membrane, cylinder, or fragments, according to occurrences. The aim of this work is to show an explanatory clinical case of the use of PRF membranes as adjuvant tool in a pre- implant guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedure of a horizontal bone defect in the premaxillary area.