Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)
Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)
Healing from oral surgery involves more than just managing discomfort. Whether you’re recovering from dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, or facial injuries, sometimes your body could use a little extra help in the healing process. This is where platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) plays a role.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a technique that leverages a patient’s own blood to expedite the healing process and reduce post-surgical pain. It consists of a plasma-enriched network that infuses the affected area with growth factors, thereby enhancing its ability to heal.
PRF is versatile, offering benefits in both hard and soft tissue surgeries. Its slow, sustained release of growth factors aids in tissue repair. Additionally, PRF can be used in conjunction with dental bone grafts. Its attributes contribute to optimized healing and reduced discomfort for patients, making it an excellent choice.
Treatment to Oral Surgery?
Creating platelet-rich fibrin is straightforward, involves no external additives like coagulants, and is conducted in-house. A small blood sample is taken from the patient and then spun in a centrifuge. As a result of this process, the blood is separated into three layers: the top layer contains concentrated platelets, the bottom layer contains red blood cells, and the middle layer contains PRF, which has platelets concentrated at levels 10 times higher than usual.
Rich in growth factors, platelets are essential for healing and tissue repair. The harvested PRF is applied directly to the surgical site, where it acts as both a nutrient source and a signal for the body to focus additional healing resources on the area.
Safety Advantages of PRF in Oral Surgery Recovery
- No risk of foreign body reaction – PRF is derived from the patient’s own cells, virtually eliminating any risk of disease transmission or rejection.
- Gradual release of growth factors – PRF slowly releases various growth factors, including VEGF, PDGF, and TGF-beta, which are crucial for healing.
- Inclusion of white blood cells – Leukocytes are part of the PRF, contributing additional growth factors and infection protection.
PRF and Healing from Mouth Surgery: What are The Clinical Applications
- Bone regeneration during tooth extraction – PRF can be placed in the extraction site.
- Bone repair in areas lacking sufficient bone – PRF can be mixed with bone graft materials and also serve as a membrane over the graft.
- Use in sinus grafting – PRF can protect the sinus lining and help stabilize graft materials.
- Immediate implant placement – PRF is effective in filling minor gaps between the implant and the existing bone.
- Soft tissue grafting – PRF aids in soft tissue healing and reduces inflammation.
- Bone repair following cyst removal.
- Sealing of sinus communication or fistulas.
- Case studies have shown PRF’s effectiveness in mitigating the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, a potential side effect following extractions in patients on bisphosphonates or Prolia injections.