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Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a substance taken from your own blood that helps to promote healing. Since PRF is taken from your own blood, it is highly biocompatible and there is an extremely low risk of allergies, reaction, or adverse side effects. When applied to the treatment site, PRF helps to stimulate the healing process and acts as a bioactive band-aid. PRF is composed of various essential healing components, including:
- White blood cells, which help to decrease the risk of infection by cleaning the area
- Platelets, which help to attract growth factors and clot the blood
- Fibrin, which helps to clot the blood by binding platelets together
- Cytokines, which are proteins with anti-inflammatory properties
- Stem cells, which can help regenerate any type of tissue
Did You Know?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was the first generation blood platelet concentration. However, PRP lacked white blood cells and released around 90% of its growth factors within 10 minutes of coagulation. PRF, on the other hand, contains more growth factors and has a prolonged release, meaning that it gradually releases these growth factors during the first 1-2 weeks of healing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I benefit from PRF?
You may benefit from PRF if you:
- Are having dental implants placed
- Are having one or more teeth extracted
- Have severe periodontal disease with bone loss
- Have gum recession
- Have oral soft tissue that failed to heal with sutures
- Need to prevent or treat an infection
- Are having a sinus lift
To determine if PRF can benefit you, schedule a consultation with our office today.
How is PRF obtained?
PRF is obtained through a simple blood draw. Once a sample of your blood has been obtained, the vile of blood will be placed in a centrifuge for approximately 10 minutes. This will spin the blood at a speed of 3,000 rpm in order to separate the blood into three layers. Plasma will collect at the top of the vile, platelet rich fibrin will collect in the middle, and red blood cells will collect at the bottom. Our office uses the newest and most innovative equipment to optimize the quality of both liquid and solid PRF for different dental applications.
How is PRF used during dental procedures?
After the required treatment has been carried out, PRF will be placed over the treatment site. PRF is a gelatin consistency and is self-degradable, meaning that it will degrade within 1-2 weeks after placement. Depending on the type of treatment and the location, PRF may or may not be sutured in place. In some cases, it can even be injected into the treatment site. After its placement, PRF will release growth factors over the course of the next week or two in order to promote healing.
