Platelet-Rich Fibrin
 We are always trying to explore treatments that partner with your body to enhance and accelerate the healing process. One such option is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy. This solution is natural, safe, and made from a sample of your own blood. PRF is now widely used to help patients heal at a faster rate from invasive oral procedures while reducing inflammation.
Terms To Know
To better understand PRF, there are a few terms you should familiarize yourself with first.
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Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP): PRP is a concentration of plasma that has been separated by centrifugation from a sample of whole blood. PRF is made from PRP in the same manner. Similar to PRF, PRP is used to promote healing and minimize recovery time.
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Fibrin: Fibrin is a protein found in whole blood that develops during the clotting of blood. As it forms, it creates a fibroid matrix that constrains blood flow. |
Defining Platelet-Rich Fibrin Therapy
The best way to explain PRF therapy is to describe how it is developed and applied.
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First, you would come in for a chair-side appointment. Colin Lentz, DDS would painlessly extract a minimal amount of blood.
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Your blood sample would be sent to our laboratory and placed in a centrifuge. The centripetal force of the centrifuge would separate the red blood cells from the white blood cells, creating a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) solution.
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The PRP solution would then be placed again in the centrifuge and spun into the PRF, a gelatinous membrane that some researchers refer to as a snot-clot due to its plug-like appearance.
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In some cases, the PRF membrane can be mixed with bone or other beneficial substances to make a paste.
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In other cases, the PRF membrane is placed in a press and flattened to increase its surface area and for ease of application.
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After the membrane has been prepared, it is placed on the surgical site.
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Colin Lentz, DDS will then close the wound around the membrane. |
Practical Applications
PRF is so effective that the potential applications of a PRF membranes are endless. In the field of dentistry, PRF is most commonly used for the following:
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Regenerative Endodontics: An expansion of root canal therapy that is intended to replace dentin, root structures, and pulp-dentin.
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Socket Preservation: A process designed to decrease bone loss following a tooth extraction.
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Sinus Lift: A surgical procedure that adds bone between the jaw and the sinuses. PRF therapy is used when a dental implant needs to be affixed to the jawbone.
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Periodontal Disease: Is the infection and inflammation of the gums that adversely impacts both the soft and hard tissues present in the mouth. |
The Benefits
There are many advantages to using PRF therapy. It is safe and natural because it is made from your own blood. There is no risk for the transmission of disease. The possibility of infection is lower and the period of healing is accelerated. PRF stimulates hard and soft tissue by promoting tissue synthesis. With PRF you are less likely to experience complications and discomfort.
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