PLATELET RICH FIBRIN AKA BIOACTIVE “BAND-AID”
Tooth loss and damage to the jaw bone and tissues are often challenging for during oral surgery or implant placement. Without enough support in the jaw bone, dental implants cannot be immediately stabilized, and tissue healing can be a long process. The solution to these and other difficult situations is a new Platelet Therapy created from your own blood. Leukocyte – Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) changes all the rules as it promotes healing and bone growth from within your own body. Unlike other treatments that use artificial components, Platelet Therapy with L-PRF uses only your own blood. With a simple blood draw and an advanced technology protocol, L-PRF is individually made for you – from you. The end results are improved healing response and significantly less recovery time.
Platelet Rich Fibrin or PRF is a by-product of blood that is exceptionally rich in platelets. PRF has long been used in hospitals to accelerate the body’s own healing process, but it is only recently that advances in technology have allowed this same technique to be used in the dental office.
The blood platelets perform several essential functions in the body, including blood clot formation and the release of growth factors that help to heal wounds. These growth factors stimulate the stem cells to produce new host tissue as quickly as possible, which is why platelet rich plasma is so effective in the post-treatment healing process.
There are several ways in which PRF can be used in clinical dentistry:
Bone Grafting for Implants – This includes closure of a cleft lip and cleft palate deformities, sinus lifts, ridge augmentation, and both inlay and onlay grafts.
Fistula Repair – This includes the repair of fistulas between the mouth and the sinus cavity. Reasons for platelet rich fibrin treatment Platelet rich fibrin application is now widely used to expedite the post-procedure healing process and is completely safe.
Since the blood used will come from the patient’s own body, disease transmission is not a factor. Almost all patients report a much greater degree of comfort immediately after their procedure. There are also several more distinct advantages of PRF:
- Lower Infection Risk – PRF is smeared thickly on the wound after the procedure by the dentist and actually seals the wound away from infectious agents, lowering the risk of problems.
- Accelerated Healing – The saturation of the wound with PRF helps increase tissue synthesis due to its growth factors, and this in turn results in faster tissue regeneration. Speedier healing decreases the risk of later infections, complications, and discomfort.
- Safety and Convenience – Disease transmission is non-issue since the blood is harvested from the patient’s own blood supply. The amount of blood needed is small and can be collected during a routine outpatient procedure.
What does platelet rich fibrin treatment involve?
Dr. Cha will assess if you’re a candidate for PRF treatment. Patients with blood clotting disorders will be unable to take advantage of this treatment. A small (about 2 oz) sample of your blood will be collected. The blood will be placed into a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells.
Immediately after suturing the wound, Dr. Cha will apply the PRF to the surgical area in a high concentration. This will expedite your healing and decrease the amount of discomfort following the surgery. The dentist will provide aftercare instructions pertaining to the surgery and a prescription for pain medication as required.
FAQs
What is L-PRF?
L-PRF stands for Leukocyte – Platelet Rich Fibrin. Leukocytes are also known as white blood cells. They are part of the immune system and are responsible for helping heal our bodies. Platelets are also blood cells. They are responsible for attracting healing cells, creating blood clots. They are also key cells for producing growth factors. Fibrin is another component of the blood that works with platelets to create blood clots.
How are L-PRF clots created?
L-PRF clots are first created by taking a small blood sample from you. The blood sample tubes are spun according to a specific process. This creates a matrix or blood clot. The matrix is then removed from the tube and placed in a device designed to compress the matrix to a desired thickness.
What is Platelet Fibrin Therapy?
Platelet Fibrin Therapy uses L-PRF clots to promote healing.
Is L-PRF painful?
It is as painless as a routine blood draw.
How does L-PRF work to heal?
L-PRF provides a concentrated release of healing proteins, creates a scaffolding to help direct healing and also forms a more efficient network for cells to communicate with other cells and tissues. Due to the high concentration of platelets and leukocytes within the L-PRF clot, the fibrin releases growth factors for up to 14 days after placement. This is when the body is repairing itself and needs the extra help to heal.
Are there any side effects or complications from L-PRF?
L-PRF uses your own blood, with NO additive whatsoever. Reducing the risk of allergy, or side effects because your own concentrated platelets, with their own unique healing abilities are simply re-introduced at the site of your extraction, implant placement or other surgical site.
What types of conditions are treated with L-PRF?
Currently L-PRF is being used for dental and oral maxillofacial surgical procedures, including dental implants, bone defects, extraction sockets, sinus and dental ridge augmentation, palatal defects, and maxillary bone atrophy.