Understanding PRF – Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Oral Surgery and Healing

Many patients are concerned about healing time and quality of the results for their oral surgery. Whether it’s dental implants, bone grafting, or a sinus lift, oral surgery usually requires several weeks or months for proper healing. Johns Family and Implant Dentistry ensures our patients heal well and recover quickly by using PRF’s or platelet-rich plasma to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself.

What is PRF?
PRF are blood product concentrates made from your own blood. They are rich in blood platelets that aid in the healing process, making them an excellent addition to oral surgery procedures. Because these are derived from your own blood, they are completely safe and a guaranteed match that works with your body’s own immune system.

The platelets encourage the formation of blood clots after surgery and release growth factors that hasten healing by stimulating your own stem cells. The stem cells regenerate new tissue for more efficient recovery.

 

 

How do you make PRF?
Before surgery, we draw some of your own blood and place it in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins out the different blood components into concentrated parts that we can use to aid the healing process. We don’t “make” PRF; your body’s own blood makes these blood products we use as a part of your healing process; however, we can increase the concentration and separate out the specific factors needed.

During oral surgery, PRF is mixed with some of your own bone or a bone substitute, then applied to stimulate stem cell production of new tissue and bone. It basically works like a band-aid created from your own blood that is placed in the surgical area to promote healing.

What are the benefits of using PRF for dental surgery?
* Speeds the healing process
* Reduces bleeding during surgery
* Reduces inflammation
* Reduces risk of post-operative infection
* Encourages new bone growth at the surgical site
* Encourages soft tissue regeneration
* Eliminates chances of rejection or an allergic reaction
* Easily produced in-office the day of surgery
* Reduction of post-operative pain
* Reduces the chance of dry socket and other complications

When does Johns Family and Implant Dentistry use PRF?
Any time the success and rate of healing after oral surgery or dental implants is a concern, PRF can contribute to faster, more effective recovery. A standard procedure we use them for is dental implants. The jawbone and ridge must heal adequately and form a durable bond with the implants. The stem cells in plasma dramatically improve the healing process. It also reduces the length of time between the placement of the implants and the attachment of the crowns.

Dr. David Johns also uses PRF for a variety of other surgical procedures, including:
* Bone grafts
* Sinus lifts
* Ridge augmentation
* Dental cyst removal

Is PRF a complicated procedure?
With the advanced technology in our office, it is a very simple process for you. While you are having your procedure, we draw about 55cc (less than two ounces) of blood, we place it in tubes and centrifuge these to isolate the PRF. The entire process takes just 15-20 minutes, and can have a dramatic, positive effect on the healing process.

Is there anyone who can’t use PRF?
If you have a clotting disorder or blood-borne illness, you may not be a candidate for dental PRF.

Please contact our office at (253) 848-3723 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Johns to discuss dental implants, oral surgery, and how PRF can ensure a successful procedure and enhanced healing.