What is PRF ?

Dentists can use so-called PRF technology to speed up healing when extracting teeth or for healing implants. This involves using the patient's own blood, which is centrifuged to separate out thrombocytes or platelet, known as platelets, and fibrinogen. The platelets release growth factor and other substances, accelerating the healing and growth of tissues. White blood cells are important for the immune system and are likely to reduce the risk of infection after extraction of infected or root-filled teeth.

PRF is also used to form bone in bone cavities and defects in the bone as a result of, for example, periodontitis or peri-implantitis.

The technique, called Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), has been widely used in dentistry for the past 15 years, but is not common in Sweden. Research reports exist, but there has been a lack of a really good review to provide evidence for the PRF method. Now German and French researchers have summarised the research in this area to date. The article has been published in the Journal of Oral Implantology. 

The article states that the research shows that PRF improves healing and growth of the alveolar bone both after tooth extraction and to increase bone volume. In addition, studies show that PRF reduces the depth of gum pockets and therefore should have a place even for patients at risk of periodontitis.

PRF is a harmless method with no side effects and that there is therefore reason to use it.

Dr. Shahla Hassanzadeh is certified in this technique and is able to use it extensively in her clinic.

PRF involves the dentist taking blood from the patient and there are usually four tubes. The blood is then centrifuged to separate lymphocytes, platelets and fibrinogen from the red blood cells. At the top of the tube is the translucent mass that the dentist takes out and makes a membrane out of. The membrane is then placed over the wound after tooth extraction and membranes can also be placed around implants or in bone defects and where there is not enough bone to place implants . This is done to increase bone growth or mixed with Bio Oss or synthetic bone.