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Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous blood product, meaning it is made from your blood. Platelets are instrumental in wound healing by forming blood clots and releasing growth factors that promote and maintain healing. PRF contains 10 times the concentration of platelets than what naturally occurs in your body.
When applied to a dental implant site or injected into the skin, the PRF matrix slowly releases growth factors while activating platelets. Whether used with oral surgery or cosmetic skin procedures, PRF treatment at Memorial, Houston, TX, and Medical Center, Houston, TX, helps speed the healing process by boosting your body’s natural response and signaling cells to repair targeted areas.
PRF is spun at a lower speed than platelet-rich plasma (PRP), allowing some white blood cells, stem cells, and growth factors to remain with the platelets and plasma at the top of the test tube. Many oral surgery practices have shifted from PRP to PRF in recent years.
At Lighthouse Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons prefer using PRF at Memorial, Houston, TX, and Medical Center, Houston, TX, due to its superior benefits. PRF in dentistry offers versatility for diverse applications, including:
In addition, our oral surgeons frequently use PRF in skin rejuvenation treatment, including dermal fillers, vampire facials, and hair restoration.
Blood can be drawn from the same IV line used to provide sedation, avoiding second exposure to needles. Additionally, a topical anesthetic can be applied to numb the area before PRF in dentistry at Memorial, Houston, TX, and Medical Center, Houston, TX. Facial aesthetic procedures can also be performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on your preferences.
Blood is drawn like a simple blood test and placed in a centrifuge, where it’s spun to separate the blood components into different layers. No anticoagulants are added to keep the product pure, and the slower spin speed results in less cell trauma. As the blood slowly matures, natural fibrinogen is converted to fibrin. The white blood cells help form a thicker fibrin matrix with a spongy consistency. Once the 45–to 60-minute collection process is complete, the PRF matrix is injected or placed into the treated site.
Because PRF uses your blood, it’s safer and less likely to cause complications than other treatments. Multiple studies have shown that the PRF membrane is a relatively inexpensive biomaterial with significant benefits in implant dentistry, oral surgery, and periodontal procedures.
While PRF is currently the safest and most economical choice for improving healing, soft tissue, and bone regeneration, we understand everyone has different financial situations. To make PRF treatment more affordable, we accept insurance from many carriers and offer third-party dental financing.
