Platelet Rich Fibrin or PRF

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a blood product derived from the patient’s own blood. It is obtained by drawing a small amount of blood, which is then centrifuged to separate the platelets from other blood components. The resulting product is rich in platelets, the blood cells responsible for blood clotting and repairing blood vessels. When used in surgical situations, PRF promotes healing and new tissue growth.

Many dentists and oral surgeons use platelet-rich fibrin in conjunction with bone grafting before dental implant surgery, during sinus lifts, and for augmentation procedures to encourage healing and ensure robust bone growth. Recent developments in PRF therapy have revealed that proper use of platelet-rich fibrin can eliminate the need for bone grafting altogether.

How PRF Works

When placed in the body at a wound site, platelet-rich fibrin stimulates healing by increasing the number of regenerative cells and aiding the body’s natural ability to generate supplemental bone or gum tissue. The fibrin creates a healing matrix, or scaffold, that the body uses to support new blood vessels and tissue growth. As the body heals, platelets in the PRF contribute to blood clotting and stimulate stem cells, the building blocks of new tissue.

Until recently, patients receiving dental implants often had to undergo bone grafting to establish a stable base for implants, with PRF used to augment healing. This added months to the healing process before implants could be placed.

PRF and Bone Grafts

In the hands of a highly skilled dental surgeon, PRF can not only enhance but also replace bone grafting. PRF can be used instead of bone or tissue grafts to regenerate lost gum tissue or regenerate bone in an empty tooth socket after an extraction. However, great precision is required to place platelet-rich fibrin in the exact location to stimulate appropriate growth. PRF must be placed within 2mm of bone to promote new bone growth without augmenting the fibrin with bone chips.

Dr. Van Stralen has devoted years to honing his skills in using PRF to replace bone grafting, an option not commonly available in the United States. There are numerous benefits to using PRF to build up jawbone mass before placing dental implants, including:

  • PRF stimulates natural bone growth without invasive surgery.
  • PRF stimulates angiogenesis (forming new, healthy blood vessels) for effective oxygen exchange.
  • PRF encourages faster wound healing and repair after a tooth extraction or in areas where the bone has deteriorated due to disease or injury.
  • PRF not only promotes healing but also has antimicrobial properties. It destroys gram-negative bacteria, a type of bacteria that can impede healing, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
  • There is no need for donor grafting material, reducing the risk of disease transmission, rejection, or cross-contamination.
  • Using PRF to regrow healthy bone in the tooth socket is less expensive than bone grafting surgery.
  • Using our PRF centrifuge, we can withdraw a small amount of blood and produce sufficient platelet-rich fibrin to encourage new bone or tissue formation immediately after tooth extraction.

Platelet Rich Fibrin and Dental Procedures

PRF and Wisdom Teeth Removal

After wisdom teeth removal, a painful dry socket can develop if the blood clot protecting the empty tooth socket is dislodged. Placing PRF in the empty tooth socket protects the area, dramatically reduces the likelihood of a dry socket, and encourages healing.

PRF and Implants

PRF and implants are a natural partnership for patients who do not have enough jawbone to support dental implants. Dr. Van Stralen can use PRF to encourage new bone growth in an empty tooth socket after extraction, in many cases eliminating the need for grafting entirely. If an individual has extreme bone loss, PRF can augment a needed bone graft, speeding the healing process and ensuring that the graft fully integrates with the surrounding bone.

PRF Frequently Asked Questions

Is PRF safe?

Yes. Protein rich fibrin is derived from your own blood, which is drawn from your body just moment before your dental procedure. Your blood is then put into our PRF centrifuge, where it is spun until the blood separates into its various components, including fibrin. Your body will not reject the PRF because it was taken from your own blood.

Will my insurance cover the cost of PRF?

Probably not. Most insurances do not cover platelet rich fibrin, but it is relatively inexpensive given the impressive results we have witnessed. Keep in mind that using PRF may reduce the need for bone grafting and other procedures, minimizing the cost of your overall treatment.

Are there any drawbacks to PRF?

When PRF is injected into the surgical or extraction site, there is a very small risk of infection at the injection site, temporary discomfort, or swelling. In extremely rare cases, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the anticoagulant used to separate the extracted blood into separate parts and make platelet rich fibrin.

Can anyone use platelet rich fibrin for dental procedures?

No. Although most healthy adults can use platelet rich fibrin, patients with a blood clotting disorder or a blood-born illness cannot receive PRF.

PRF and Oral Surgery: Minimal Risk with Maximum Results

Platelet-rich fibrin is one of the most powerful tools available to restore and repair gum tissue and the jawbone by triggering your body’s natural healing ability. Our use of PRF to circumvent the need for bone grafts in dental surgery is one of the most exciting developments in oral surgery today. To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Van Stralen, call our office at Kenneth M. Van Stralen, DDS office Phone Number 703-317-3900.