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What is Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)?
Blood concentrates have been utilized in medicine for over 3 decades for the purposes of stimulating tissue regeneration and local wound healing. Previously known as PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma, Doctors were able to draw patients' blood and isolate special cells in the blood called platelets and growth factors.
After concentrating these special cells, Doctors could then re-apply or inject these growth factors to help patients heal better and faster, with less pain after surgical procedures.
Since then, with more research and technological advancement, PRP has evolved into PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin). PRF has significantly more platelets, growth factors, and white blood cells.
Do I need Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)?
Patients who are medically compromised, have difficulty healing or are more prone to infection from oral surgery may require PRF treatment. PRF treatment is suitable for all patients of any age.
The purpose of PRF treatment is to help with healing a surgical site within the mouth, preventing infection and improving the chances of the area healing fully and properly.
At Mercer Island Dental, we utilize PRF in surgical procedures such as extractions, dental implant surgery and gum grafts. This helps reduce the chance of infections and recovery time after dental surgery. We take pride in staying up to date on the latest research to help patients heal better and faster after dental treatment!
How much blood is required for PRF?
Not much blood is required for the Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) treatment. When we draw your blood we take between 30-60 ml of blood which ranges from three to six tubes. While that may seem like a lot, when you donate blood at blood banks, they take around 300ml of blood which equates to 30 tubes!
What happens during a Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) procedure?
On the day of your dental surgery, the doctor will draw blood from you and collect 30- 60 ml of blood, between three to six tubes of blood. This will be used to help in the healing of the surgical site. This blood will be placed in a centrifuge which spins and concentrates platelets, white blood cells into separate layers from the red blood cells.
We then isolate the PRF from the red blood cells and carefully place these components into the surgical site after oral surgery is complete. Over time, the white blood cells and platelets will interact with other cells in your body to promote faster healing.
This technology is entirely to the benefit of the patient and allows oral surgeries to be more successful. If you're interested in PRF and want to know more about this option, call our office and we will work to answer any questions you may have.
