L-PRF

Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin

L-PRF is increasingly the treatment of choice for patients undergoing oral surgery.  L-PRF can be used to promote accelerated bone regeneration as well as strengthen current bone structure during bone grafting and sinus lift procedures.

Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures are used to improve jawbone density in some patients before dental implants can be placed.   

What is L-PRF?

When you suffer a small scrape on your knee, your body reacts by creating a clot to stop the bleeding, form a scab, and then finally regenerate new skin.  L-PRF is similar. It is a platelet therapy that uses your own blood to help promote healing. It uses your body’s own white blood cells to promote natural bone growth.  

L-PRF is a procedure that results in faster healing after oral surgery and other invasive dental procedures.  It is a three-dimensional, autogenous combination of Platelet Rich Fibrin derived from the patient’s own blood.  

Dr. Sedaros will carry out a simple chairside procedure.  A sample of your blood is collected in a tube, just as it would be for a blood test.  The doctor then uses a dedicated centrifuge to separate and concentrate on certain important cells and active proteins by spinning your own blood.

This results in the production of a thin, compressed layer of platelet-rich fibrin that is strong, pliable and suitable for suturing.  This natural fibrin network is rich in platelets, growth factors, and cytokines, all of which are derived from the blood platelets and leukocytes.  The presence of these proteins promotes quicker healing, especially during the first seven days after the procedure.

How and When is L-PRF Used?

L-PRF can be applied in all dental indications to support wound healing.  In addition, L-PRF can also be used in combination with bone grafts to improve their handling properties and to promote their integration.  

L-PRF provides a concentrated release of healing proteins.  It creates a scaffolding to help direct healing and also forms a more efficient network for cells to communicate with other cells and tissues.  Owing to the rich concentration of platelets and leukocytes within the L-PRF clot, the fibrin releases growth factors for up to 14 days after placement.  This is a crucial time for healing to take place and L-PRF allows healing to take place faster and more completely.

Indications for L-PRF

  • Coating of dental implants
  • Ridge augmentations
  • Bone defects
  • Palatal defects
  • Maxillary bone atrophy
  • Sinus floor elevations
  • Extraction sockets
  • Recession coverage
  • Wound management after surgical interventions

Besides these conditions, patients at risk of surgery, such as smokers, diabetics, patients with poor immune systems, patients with wisdom tooth extraction, and patients with chronic pain can be safely treated with the L-PRF procedure.

Is L-PRF Safe and Painless?

L-PRF is a safe and relatively painless procedure.  It is as painful as a simple blood draw. Because the procedure uses the patient’s own blood to create the fibrin clot, there are no additives needed.  It also reduces the risk of allergy and side effects because your own concentrated platelets, with their own unique healing abilities, are re-introduced at the site of extraction or oral surgery.  

There are certain properties of the fibrin clot created by the L-PRF procedure.  These are:

  • It is 100% natural, with no chemical additives or anticoagulants
  • It allows for the slow and sustained release of growth factors for more than 7 days after the surgery
  • It results in reduced pain and discomfort
  • It improves wound healing

Every case is different, but discuss the possibility of the L-PRF procedure with Dr. Sedaros at your next appointment.