Comparative Evaluation of Bone Formation between PRF and Blood Clot Alone as the Sole Sinus-Filling Material in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation with the Implant as a Tent Pole: A Randomized Split-Mouth Study.

The lack of bone volume in the posterior maxillary region can be augmented with sinus elevation. Since the elevated sinus is a closed cavity, a blood clot that fills the sinus space itself can aid in bone formation. The aim of this study was to compare bone formation in the elevated maxillary sinus between platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and blood clot alone as the sole sinus-filling material with the implant as a tent pole. The study was a randomized controlled trial with a split-mouth design involving seven patients. An implant was placed on one side only and blood was allowed to fill the elevated sinus cavity; on the other side, PRF plugs were inserted. The sinus window was covered by nonresorbable titanium-reinforced membrane. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups, but the PRF group showed increased bone gain in the mesial, buccal, and palatal regions, and increased average height and bucco-palatal width at the height of the old and new sinus floor. A greater increase in distal bone height was seen in the control group. It was concluded that PRF may be more effective as a sole sinus-filling material in the elevated sinus cavity with an implant as a tent pole.