USE OF PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN (PRF) FOR IMPLANT SITE OPTIMIZATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation autologous biomaterial obtained without the use of anticoagulants or bovine thrombin, widely used as an adjunct in implant dentistry procedures. This literature review aimed to synthesize current scientific evidence regarding the use of PRF for optimizing implant sites, covering socket preservation, maxillary sinus elevation, implant stability, and peri-implant soft tissues. A search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, selecting randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2019 and 2026. The results indicate that PRF has favorable effects on implant stability and new bone formation during maxillary sinus elevation, in addition to reducing gingival recession during socket preservation when compared to allografts. However, its effect on marginal bone loss and long-term tissue stability remains uncertain, primarily due to the heterogeneity of preparation protocols and the limited number of studies with follow-up periods exceeding 12 months. It is concluded that PRF is a promising biological resource as an adjunct in implant dentistry, though greater methodological standardization is required to establish definitive clinical recommendations.