Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)

Smiles of Virginia Family Dental Center offers not just 1, but 2 types of platelet-rich therapies. This means a speedier recovery and less pain. Until recently, this therapy was only used in the hospital setting. However, we have invested in the training and equipment needed to perform this in our office.

What is all the excitement about?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and platelet rich fibrin (PRF) permits your body to take advantage of the normal healing pathways at a greatly accelerated rate. During the healing process, your body rushes many cells and cell-types to the wound in order to initiate the healing process. One of those cell types is the platelet. Platelets can perform many different functions, including the formation of a blood clot and release of growth factors (GF). These GF (platelet derived growth factors PGDF, transforming growth factor beta TGF, and insulin-like growth factor ILGF) work to assist your body in repairing itself by stimulating stem cells to regenerate new tissue. Obviously, the more growth factors released into the surgical site, the more stem cells can be stimulated to produce new host tissue. Thus, one can easily see that PRF and PRP permits the body to heal faster and more efficiently.

What is platelet rich plasma?

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is made by adding an anticoagulant to the drawn blood and then spinning it. This helps separate the blood into different layers, one layer being the Platelet Rich Plasma layer. This layer is then carefully aspirated and only this part is used as a liquid. This is very useful to soak bone graft material in as is contains growth factors that help promote bone growth.

What is platelet rich fibrin?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is made the same way, except no anticoagulant is added. The spinning starts a natural process of polymerization forming a fibrin clot (see photo of yellow fibrin clot). This clot is very useful as a barrier membrane that will help your gums heal faster.

How is the PRP and PRF processed?

We will draw your blood, just like when you have blood drawn from your arm for regular lab work. Your blood is then centrifuged at different speeds and using different vials to help concentrate white blood cells, growth factors and fibrin. These components help your tissues heal quicker.

What are the benefits of PRP and PRF?

A by-product of the patient’s own blood, therefore, disease transmission is not an issue.
Jumpstarts the recovery process
Facilitates tissue regeneration and improves bone regeneration
Reduced swelling, inflammation, and pain
Helps stop bleeding
Provides growth factors straight at the surgical site

What procedures can PRP and PRF be used for?

We use it for a wide variety of procedures including bone grafts, dental implants, sinus lifts, soft tissue grafting, and to control bleeding.

Will my insurance cover the costs?

Unfortunately, in most cases they will not. Your insurance company only worries about their own financial bottom line, not about how fast you heal or how much pain you are in.

Are there any contraindications to PRF and PRP?

There are very few contraindications mainly being patients with bleeding disorders or hematologic diseases that may not qualify for this in-office procedure.