Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Bellevue, WA
Oral surgery or any surgical procedure leaves wounds in your tissues. These wounds require time to heal. The amazing thing about the human body is that it can heal itself. Your blood contains a colorless liquid known as plasma. Hidden within the plasma are platelets, which are the main agents responsible for your tissue healing. At A Smiling Heart Dentistry, we use your platelets to help speed up your recovery process, with the creation of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin.
What are Platelets?
Platelets are tiny, colorless cells that reside within the plasma of your blood. They might seem insignificant under a microscope, but platelets are responsible for your blood’s ability to clot, which stops the bleeding at surgical sites. Platelets also contain growth hormones, which stimulate new tissue generation.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is created from your blood. Although your blood already contains platelets, they’re spread throughout the body. With only two ounces of your blood, we can concentrate a large number of platelets to help your body heal faster.
We create your PRP right in our office on the day of your procedure. We draw approximately two ounces of blood and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. The plasma is spun again to concentrate the platelets. Once your procedure is complete, the PRP is applied to the surgical site, sealing out bacteria and accelerating tissue regeneration.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is derived from the same process, but a different layer of the spun blood is used. The middle layer of the sample, rich in platelets and clotting factors, is removed. When applied to the surgical site, PRF forms a fibrin network that traps cytokines—proteins that signal other cells in your body to assist with healing.
What are They Used For?
- Periodontal treatments, such as soft tissue grafts
- Bone grafts for dental implants, sinus lifts, and cleft palate surgeries
- Facial reconstructive surgery
Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Fibrin
- Faster healing and reduced downtime
- Lower risk of infection
- Completely safe—your own blood is used, eliminating disease transmission risk
- No need for a separate pre-op appointment—blood is drawn right before your procedure
Learn more about Our Dental Technologies
Faster healing means not only are you back to your normal routine quicker, but you are also at a much lower risk of complications. Contact A Smiling Heart Dentistry today at (425) 558-9998 to learn more.