PRP vs PRF: What are they? What’s the difference?
It may sound a little weird at first, but both of these techniques require your blood to speed up the healing process after oral surgery. Because you are the actual manufacturer of the product, it’s considered to be the
most natural alternative to stimulate new cell growth and heal damaged tissue. Continue reading to find out more about these modern techniques and how they can benefit you.
What are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)?
PRP and PRF are regeneration techniques that use components of your blood to facilitate healing. To obtain them, I will draw a small amount of blood and then run it through a centrifuge. This will separate the blood
into red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The concentrated platelets are the ones used to promote healing, and depending on the time spent in the centrifuge, you can either obtain PRP or PRF.
What do PRP and PRF do?
Both of them work by kick-starting new cell growth and collagen production. When your body is injured, in this case by undergoing oral surgery, the platelets become activated and release growth factors. These
growth factors speed up the healing process by creating new soft tissue and bone cells, collagen, and elastin.
When can they be used?
PRP and PRF can be used in various dental treatments to promote faster healing:
- Implant placement – to prevent peri-implantitis and regenerate bone faster;
- Bone grafting – reduces graft infections and promotes bone growth;
- After tooth extractions – to preserve the socket and prevent infections;
- Gum surgery – periodontal disease treatment;
- For diabetic patients – or other conditions that impair healing.
What’s the difference between them?
Although they might sound similar, PRF is the newer technique between the two and is considered to be more effective. The first difference is that PRP requires more blood to be taken to obtain the desired layers. PRP is spun at a higher speed, which causes all the heavier cells to collect in the bottom part of the test tube while the lighter platelets and plasma remain at the top. The top layer is then recovered and used in the damaged region.The PRF product is spun at a lower speed so that the layers of blood don’t separate as distinctly as PRP. The lower speed causes less trauma to the individual cells and allows more white blood cells and stem cells to remain in the top part of the tube providing even more healing factors. The literature points out that platelet-rich plasma contains up to 5 times more platelet concentration than generally found in the body, while platelet-rich fibrin contains approximately 10 times the platelet count.
Procedure Details
During the initial consultation and our discussions I will determine if you are a good candidate for PRF treatment. While most patients can safely undergo this procedure, it is not recommended for those with blood clotting diseases or if you take certain medication. At the start of your appointment, a sample of blood will be taken from the arm and placed in the centrifuge. My team will then prepare it and use it towards the end of the procedure. Depending on the technique it can either be injected or placed as a membrane directly on the surgical site before closing it. You will be under local anesthesia during surgery so you won’t feel any pain. The PRF will also reduce post-surgical discomfort.
For more information about PRF, and any surgical requirement you have please contact our surgery on 02 8097 1838.