[The use of platelet concentrates: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in bone reconstruction prior to dental implant surgery].

The autologous platelet concentrates--Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)--are used in various medical fields, particularly in oral and maxillofacial surgery. These concentrates contain high levels of growth factors, including the 3 isomers of PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), 2 of the numerous transforming growth factors (TGF-beta), the insulinlike growth factor (IGF), the epithelial growth factor (EGF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are the key elements in wound healing, particularly in bone regeneration. Platelet concentrates are easy to apply in clinical practice and offer potential benefits including rapid wound healing and bone regeneration, and can therefore be considered to be new therapeutic adjuvants. In dental implant surgery they are used in bone reconstruction prior or concomitant to implant procedures, and also for dental extraction socket preservation. Their use result in enhanced bone graft density and maturation. A literature review on the use of PRP/PRF in maxillofacial and dental implant surgery is proposed.