Histologic and Histomorphometric Evaluation of Lateral Maxillary Sinus Augmentation With or Without Platelet-Rich Fibrin

This study evaluates bone healing after lateral maxillary sinus lift surgery performed prior to dental implant placement. This surgical procedure is commonly used when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw to support dental implants. Patients who required sinus lift surgery on both sides of the upper jaw were included in the study. In each patient, one side was treated with a demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) alone, while the opposite side received the same bone graft combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). PRF is a blood-derived material prepared from the patient's own blood and is thought to support tissue healing. The treatment side receiving PRF was determined randomly. Six months after the sinus lift surgery, dental implants were placed. At that time, small bone samples were collected from the grafted areas. These samples were examined under a microscope to assess new bone formation and the amount of remaining graft material. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adding PRF to DFDBA improves bone regeneration compared with DFDBA alone during lateral maxillary sinus augmentation.v