Platelet Rich Fibrin

Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) is a by-product of blood (plasma) that is rich in platelets as well as other concentrated growth factors. Until recently, its use has been confined to the hospital setting due to the high cost of separating platelets & growth factors from blood and the large volume of blood needed to produce a suitable quantity of platelets. However, new technology permits doctors to harvest and produce a sufficient quantity of platelets from only a small amount of blood, which can be drawn from the patient during outpatient surgery.

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Why all the excitement about PRF?

PRF accelerates the body’s natural healing process. During healing, the body rushes many cells and cell-types, including platelets, to the wound to initiate recovery. Platelets & growth factors perform many functions, including the formation of blood clots and the release of other growth factors (GF) into the wound. Key growth factors, like platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF), and insulin-like growth factor (ILGF), help repair the body by stimulating stem cells to regenerate new tissue. The more growth factors released and sequestered into the wound, the more stem cells are stimulated to produce new tissue. Thus, PRF permits the body to heal faster and more efficiently.

One  specific subfamily of TGF, bone morphogenic protein (BMF), has been shown in research studies to stimulate the formation of new bone in both animals and humans. This is of particular significance to oral surgeons. By adding PRF and other Biologics containing growth factors to the implant site, alongside bone substitute particles, Dr. Gadler can promote bone growth more predictably and faster than ever before.

PRF Has Many Clinical Applications

PRF can be used to support bone grafting for dental implants, including procedures like onlay and inlay grafts, sinus lifts, ridge augmentations, and the closure of cleft and palate defects. It can also assist in the repair of bone defects caused by tooth extractions, small cysts, or fistulas between the sinus cavity and mouth.

PRF Also Has Many Advantages

  • Safety: PRF is derived from the patient’s own blood, so disease transmission is not an issue.
  • Convenience: PRF can be generated in our office during an outpatient procedure, such as dental implant placement.
  • Faster healing: The supersaturation of the wound with PRF and growth factors promotes tissue synthesis and faster regeneration.
  • Cost effectiveness: Since only about 5-10 cc of blood is required to harvest PRF in our office, there are no additional costs for hospital procedures or blood bank services.
  • Ease of use: PRF is easy to handle and enhances the application of bone substitute materials and bone grafting products by making them more gel-like.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRF

Is PRF safe? Yes. During the outpatient surgical procedure, a small amount of your own blood is drawn via an IV. This blood is then processed in a PRF centrifuge machine, and within 15 minutes, the PRF is formed and ready for use.

Should PRF be used in all bone-grafting cases? Not always. In some cases, PRF may not be necessary. However, in other of cases, application of PRF to the bone graft will increase the final bone volume and expedite the healing process.

Will my insurance cover the costs? Unfortunately, insurance does not cover PRF application costs (approximately $400). This expense is typically paid by the patient.

Can PRF be used alone to stimulate bone formation? No. PRF must be combined with either the patient’s own bone, a bone substitute material like demineralized freeze-dried bone, or a synthetic bone product to stimulate bone formation.

Are there any contraindications to PRF? Very few. Patients with bleeding disorders or hematologic diseases are not eligible for this in-office procedure. Consult with Dr. Gadler and/or your primary care physician to determine if PRF is right for you.