PRF For Oral Surgery Procedures in Milwaukee, WI
In oral and maxillofacial surgery, technology continues to advance in some fantastic ways. One example of progress in the field is the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Developed for use in oral and maxillofacial surgery in 2001, PRF has been used to enhance the healing process following surgical procedures, thus easing patient recovery.
What Is PRF?
PRF is extracted from the patient’s blood. When you decide to utilize PRF for oral surgery, a simple blood draw is performed- similar to a regular medical exam blood draw. The vial (or vials) of blood are placed in a centrifuge at a predetermined speed and for a set number of minutes. This process produces a condensed and resistant fibrin mesh. This mesh (which we refer to as platelet-rich fibrin) is structured and resistant; it is rich in platelets and leukocytes (white blood cells), both of which produce growth factors that enhance the healing process. By extracting PRF from the blood and applying it directly where they are most needed, it's possible to speed up and enhance the recovery process after trauma and surgery and produce results that may not be attainable without its use.
Composition of PRF
- Leukocytes: Leukocytes, more commonly referred to as white blood cells, act as your body's system of defense against infection. They actively engage in the destruction of harmful microorganisms, increasing in number and mobility whenever an infection is present. In addition, these white blood cells give PRF its antibacterial properties, aiding healing by warding off infections.
- Platelets: Platelets are the smallest component of our blood cells. When tissue injury occurs (including surgical injury), platelets are activated and start a cascade of clotting and healing. They aggregate and produce growth factors during this process which are essential in the process of wound healing. In PRF, platelets are embedded in and around the fibrin mesh. When the PRF mesh is placed where it is needed, platelets and the released growth factors contribute to the enhanced healing of these areas.
- Fibrin: When blood coagulates, it does so thanks to an insoluble protein called fibrin. This protein forms long and intertwined fibrous chains to ensnare the tendrils of platelets and form a spongy mass that hardens into blood clots. The fibrin in PRF is autologous, meaning that it's taken directly from your body to be used in another part of your body.
- Stem Cells: Every cell in the body has a specific differentiated purpose. However, stem cells are undifferentiated or partially differentiated, allowing them to act as the raw materials for other blood cells. In addition, stem cells can divide and multiply quickly under the right conditions, forming daughter cells that can become more stem cells or differentiated for various purposes to enhance cellular regeneration. Since stem cells are the most recognizable component of PRF, its use in dental procedures is often referred to as stem cell dentistry.
PRF for Oral Surgery Procedures
When PRF is separated in a centrifuge, it forms a fibrin matrix through a polymerization process- similar to that seen in normal coagulation. This platelet, leukocyte, and stem cell rich matrix can be used for multiple types of oral surgery procedures, such as:
- Extractions: PRF for tooth extractions helps promote faster healing and decreases the likelihood of getting dry socket.
- Dental Implants: On average, it can take three to six months to fully heal after dental implant placement. Using PRF with dental implants helps promote healing and the osseointegration process.
- Bone Grafting: PRF can be combined with the bone grafting material to help stimulate bone growth and speed up the healing process.
Benefits of Platelet-Rich Fibrin
One of the most feared parts of oral surgery is the recovery process. Recovery from an oral surgery procedure such as bone grafting or dental extractions can take up to a week, the first three days of which could bring pain and swelling necessitating rest and use of pain relieving medications. PRF not only reduces pain but it facilitates faster healing in the following ways:
- Joins mucosal tissues together when sutures can't do so (gluing them together)
- Increases blood supply to the affected area reducing healing time and improving the wound’s immunity and microbial resistance
- Attracts bone-forming cells to the site, forming new bone and assisting the integration of grafts
- Holds blood clots in place firmly to prevent dry socket after an extraction
In addition, platelet-rich fibrin is extracted straight from your blood. No chemical additives make it a safe and effective natural healing agent. And the process of extracting PRF is simple enough that it can be done at the same time as your surgery, meaning that it's not time-consuming.
What Is the Science Behind PRF?
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a concentration of platelets, leukocytes, and fibrin obtained from the patient's own blood. Through centrifugation, these components are separated and concentrated to form PRF. The platelets in PRF release growth factors, such as PDGF and TGF-β, which accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. These growth factors stimulate tissue regeneration, new blood vessel formation, and collagen production. Leukocytes provide an immune response to help prevent infection, while the fibrin matrix offers a scaffold that supports cell movement and repair at the surgical site.
What Preparation Is Required Before Undergoing a Procedure with PRF?
Before a PRF procedure, patients should:
- Inform their healthcare provider about their medical history, including medications and allergies.
- Avoid certain medications or supplements that could affect blood clotting, as advised by the surgeon.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water the day before the procedure
- Eat a normal meal before the procedure to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
How Long Does It Take to See the Benefits of PRF?
The benefits of PRF can vary by procedure and individual health but generally follow this timeline:
- Inform their healthcare provider about their medical history, including medications and allergies.
- Initial Healing: Reduction in inflammation and pain can be noticeable within the first few days.
- Mid-term Healing: Tissue regeneration and angiogenesis occur over the following weeks, critical for soft tissue healing and bone regeneration.
- Long-term Healing: The full benefits, especially for procedures like bone grafting or dental implants, emerge over several months as PRF supports stable and robust healing.
PRF Dental Surgery at Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dr. Ruba Khader and the team at Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialize in different forms of oral restoration and reconstruction, as well as a holistic and compassionate approach to healing. That's why they offer PRF to help facilitate more effective recovery for their patients. As a simple, effective, and additive-free method of regenerating oral and facial tissues, PRF fits perfectly with our approach to oral surgery.
Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
