Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Advancements in regenerative medicine have introduced innovative ways to improve healing after dental procedures.
Among these, leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (LPRF) stands out as a natural and effective solution. This cutting-edge therapy uses your own blood to support the healing process, enhance tissue repair, and reduce recovery time.
In this blog, we will explain what LPRF is, how it works, benefits, and applications in modern dentistry.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (LPRF) is used in dental treatments like tooth extractions, implants, gum disease repair, and bone grafting to speed up healing and improve outcomes. It’s a natural way to boost recovery and reduce complications in procedures requiring tissue regeneration.
What Is Platelet-Rich Fibrin?
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate derived from your blood.
LPRF is made by isolating key components, such as platelets, white blood cells (leukocytes), and growth factors, through a process called centrifugation.
Unlike platelet-rich plasma (PRP), PRF doesn’t require additives like bovine thrombin or anticoagulants, making it a completely natural treatment.
The inclusion of leukocytes is what sets PRF apart from PRP. These immune cells play an important role in modulating the inflammatory response, reducing infection risks, and aiding in tissue regeneration.
The result is a gel-like substance containing a dense fibrin network that supports faster healing and promotes the regeneration of soft tissue and bone.
How PRF Works
The healing power of platelet-rich fibrin lies in its high concentration of platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors, such as:
- Platelet-derived growth factor: Stimulates cell growth and tissue repair.
- Endothelial growth factor: Promotes the formation of new blood vessels.
- Epidermal growth factor: Helps regenerate soft tissues.
- Insulin-like growth factor: Supports collagen production and cellular healing.
These proteins are gradually released over time, ensuring a sustained natural healing process. Additionally, PRF contains stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, which play a crucial role in tissue regeneration.
The presence of leukocytes further improves its ability to control inflammation and protect the surgical site from potential infections.
Benefits of Platelet-Rich Fibrin
1. Faster Healing
The release of growth factors from PRF accelerates the healing process by stimulating cell migration, reducing inflammation, and encouraging tissue repair.
2. Reduced Inflammatory Response
The addition of white blood cells in PRF minimizes swelling, discomfort, and infection risks, promoting a smoother recovery.
3. Natural and Safe
Since PRF is derived from your own blood, it’s a completely natural solution with no risk of allergic reactions or infections.
4. Improved Structural Integrity
The fibrin mesh in PRF provides a scaffold for cells, ensuring stronger and more stable tissue formation.
Dental Procedures That Use PRF
PRF is increasingly being incorporated into various dental treatments due to its ability to improve soft tissue healing and bone regeneration.
Tooth Extractions
PRF helps fill the socket after an extraction, reducing the risk of complications such as dry socket and ensuring a faster recovery.
Dental Implants
When placing dental implants, LPRF encourages osteoblasts (primary cells in bone) to integrate with the bone, improving the success rate of the procedure.
Periodontal Regeneration
For patients with gum disease, LPRF promotes the repair of epithelial cells and strengthens the attachment between gums and teeth.
Bone Grafting and Sinus Lifts
LPRF enhances the healing of soft tissue and bone in procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts, ensuring better outcomes.
Maxillofacial Surgery
In surgeries involving the jaw, LPRF supports tissue regeneration and minimizes the risk of complications.
How LPRF Is Prepared
The preparation of LPRF is straightforward:
- Simple blood draw: A small sample of your blood is collected.
- Centrifugation step: The blood is spun at a specific centrifugation speed to separate the platelets, white blood cells, and fibrin from other components.
- Application: The PRF, now in a gel form, is placed at the surgical site.
This process takes just a few minutes and is performed during your dental procedure.
Scientific Backing: Clinical Studies
Numerous clinical studies have highlighted the benefits of PRF, including:
- Faster healing times compared to traditional methods.
- Improved outcomes in procedures involving periodontal regeneration.
- Enhanced integration of implants due to the release of growth factors.
As research continues, additional studies are exploring the full potential of PRF in dentistry and beyond.
Comparing LPRF and PRP
Both platelet-rich fibrin and platelet-rich plasma are derived from autologous blood products, but PRF offers distinct advantages:
- Inclusion of leukocytes for better infection control and reduced inflammation.
- No need for additives like bovine thrombin.
- Slower release of concentrated growth factors, ensuring sustained healing.
- A fibrin clot formation that provides a stable structure for cell growth.
Experience Faster Healing with LPRF – Consult Our Oral Surgeon Today!
If you’re preparing for an oral surgery, ask your surgeon about the clinical applications of LPRF.
From promoting faster healing to enhancing tissue regeneration, LPRF offers a safe and natural way to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon, Dr. Jefferey Kesecker, DDS, to learn more.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Harrisonburg, VA, call (540) 437-1230 or complete the online inquiry form. Visit our Harrisonburg location at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Staunton, VA, call (540) 213-8750 or complete the online inquiry form. Visit our Staunton location at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.