Modern technology has come a long way, and it’s changing the way we practice dentistry. From new treatments to high-tech tools, you can get the dental care you need with less pain and more comfort than ever before. But what about after treatment? At Accent Smile Center, we use platelet-rich fibrin to aid in your healing process so you can have a better experience even after you leave our office.
So, what is PRF, and how does it work? This technique hit the scene in 2001 and has been gaining popularity ever since, so we’re talking all about PRF for dentistry and how it can benefit your dental care.
What is PRF?
PRF dentistry involves drawing your blood to collect platelets that accelerate the healing process and decrease surgical pain from dental procedures. It can also improve the strength of bone’s direct structural and functional connection to implants. PRF consists of four main components:
Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, defend your body against infection. They give PRF antibacterial properties that help fight potentially harmful microorganisms.
Platelets are the smallest parts of our blood cells, aiding in the clotting and healing processes. Platelets are one of the main contributors to the increased healing associated with PRF.
Fibrin is the insoluble protein that causes our blood to coagulate. It’s taken directly from your body to use in another area of your body and contributes to quicker healing.
Stem cells are the only cells in our bodies that aren’t predesignated for a purpose, so they can act as raw materials for other blood cells, which increases your healing time.
How does PRF work?
First, we collect a vial of blood per injection site. We then spin the blood in a centrifuge to separate it into three parts: red blood cells, platelet-rich fibrin, and platelet-poor fibrin.
Once this is done, we will inject the PRF into any damaged or decaying areas to aid in the healing process. PRF is placed directly into the tooth extraction site and implant site.
Without the PRF, dental extractions sites are usually left to heal open, resulting in pain, swelling, and infection that can lead to other dental issues. When we inject PRF into the extraction site, it protects the site from infection and enriches the area with proteins that accelerate the healing process.
Benefits of PRF
Platelet-rich-fibrin is now widely used after many dental procedures to help expedite the healing process. Some benefits of PRF include:
- Accelerated healing – Saturating the wound with PRF helps increase tissue synthesis due to its growth factors, resulting in faster tissue regeneration. Speedier healing decreases the risk of later infections, complications, and discomfort.
- Lower infection risk – Applying PRF on the wound after your procedure protects it from infectious agents, lowering the risk of problems.
- Safety and convenience – Disease transmission is not an issue since we draw blood directly from your body. The amount of blood we use is small, and we’ll collect it during a routine outpatient procedure.
When to use PRF in dentistry
Extractions: PRF for tooth extractions helps promote faster healing and decreases your risk of getting dry sockets.
Dental implants: It can take three to six months to fully heal after dental implant placement. Using PRF with dental implants helps promote healing and encourages the integration process.
Bone grafting: We can combine PRF with bone grafting material to help stimulate bone growth and speed healing.
Oral surgery: PRF can help limit bleeding during oral surgery and decrease pain afterward. It also encourages the healing process for a quicker recovery time.
Learn more about PRF with Accent Smile Center
Learn more about PRF with Accent Smile CenterIf you have an upcoming dental procedure and want to learn more about how PRF can help you heal, we would love to answer your questions. Contact our Dickson office to schedule an appointment and find out if you’re a candidate for PRF treatment.