Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a by-product of blood that is exceptionally rich in platelets, white blood cells, and factors for growth. These three components play an essential role in the wound healing process. PRF has long been used in the hospital setting to accelerate the body’s own natural healing process, but with advances in technology, PRF has now been used in our office to help with healing in bone grafting and dental implant procedures.

There are several ways in which PRF can be used in dentistry:

• Bone Grafting – Includes the closure of the cleft lip and cleft palate deformities, sinus lifts, ridge augmentation, and socket preservation grafts.
• Bone Repair – PRF is often used in repairing the cavity due to tooth removal, coronectomy, or the removal of growths and cysts.
• Barrier Membrane – PRF can be used as a barrier membrane to separate bone and soft tissues.
• Fistula Repair – PRF can be used to repair fistulas between the mouth and the sinus cavity or the mouth and nasal cavity.

Reasons for Platelet-Rich Fibrin Treatment

Platelet-rich fibrin application is now widely used to expedite the post-surgical healing process. Since the blood will come from the patient’s body, disease transmission and allergic reactions are not factors. Almost all patients report a much greater degree of comfort immediately after their procedure. A few of the specific advantages of PRF application include:

• Lower Infection Risk – When PRF is applied to the surgical site, it contains many of the white blood cells necessary for fighting infections. The use of PRF during surgery increases the number of these cells in the initial stages of healing to help with natural infection control.
• Accelerated Healing – The application of PRF to the surgical site helps increase tissue and bone regeneration. This is achieved through the individual roles each of the PRF components play. Platelets and growth factors serve as a signal for the body to recruit, organize, and activate all the essential components needed for wound healing. White blood cells not only help to fight infection and remove injured tissue, but they play an essential role in activating the blood supply to the surgical site.
• Safety and Convenience – Disease transmission and allergic reactions are not a factor because the blood is harvested from the patient’s own blood supply.  Only a small amount of blood is needed and will be collected on the day of your procedure.

What does platelet-rich fibrin treatment involve?

The surgeon will initially assess if you are a candidate for PRF treatment based on your health and treatment plan. Patients with blood clotting disorders cannot take advantage of this treatment. A small sample of your blood will be collected on the day of surgery in our office. The blood sample will be placed into a centrifuge to remove the red blood cells and create a fibrin clot,  containing the platelets; white blood cells, and growth factors. This clot will then be applied to your surgical site using one of several research-proven techniques to enable the healing process. Your PRF may be applied to the surgical site to fill a defect or area where healing is necessary either for bone or tissue regeneration. Our doctors will discuss which method they plan to use for your specific treatment during your consultation exam.