Restoration of peri-implant defects in immediate implant installations by Choukroun platelet-rich fibrin and silk fibroin powder combination graft

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the capability of silk fibroin powder as a biomaterial template for the restoration of peri-implant defects when mixed with Choukroun platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in vivo. Study design: Ten New Zealand white rabbits were used for this study. Using a trephine bur (diameter 7.0 mm), 2 monocortical defects were prepared. Subsequently, 2 dental implants were installed into the tibia (diameter 3.0 mm, length 10.0 mm). In the experimental group, the peri-implant defect was filled with a combination graft of silk fibroin powder and Choukroun PRF. The control was left in an unfilled state. The animals were killed at 8 weeks. Subsequently, a removal torque test and a histomorphometric analysis were done. Results: The removal torque for the experimental group was 30.34 ± 5.06 N·cm, whereas it was 21.86 ± 3.39 N·cm for the control. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P =.010). Mean new bone formation was 51.93 ± 27.90% in the experimental group and 11.67 ± 15.12% in the control (P =.003). Mean bone-to-implant contact was 43.07 ± 21.96% in the experimental group and 15.37 ± 23.84% in the control (P =.002). Conclusion: A peri-implant defect can be successfully repaired by the application of Choukroun PRF and silk fibroin powder.