L-PRF™ Platelet Therapy
Healing From Within
L-PRF™ is basically a bioactive “band-aid” that is created from your own blood and then placed in your surgery sites to promote healing. A sample of your blood is collected in a tube, just as it would be for a blood test. Our team uses the unique IntraSpin™ System to separate and concentrate certain important cells and active proteins by spinning your own blood in a dedicated centrifuge. After a fast preparation, the bioactive clot, created just from your own blood, is now ideal for your procedure.
When placed in surgery sites, L-PRF releases your body’s own natural healing proteins, creating a more efficient network for cells to enhance the healing process. Depending on your situation, our oral surgeons may supplement your L-PRF clot with different biomaterials customized for your needs. For patients with significant bone loss, a combination of L-PRF and bone growth material may also be used to promote natural bone regeneration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: “What is L-PRF?”
A: L-PRF stands for Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin. Leukocytes are also known as white blood cells. They are part of the immune system and are responsible for helping heal our bodies. Platelets are also blood cells. They are responsible for attracting healing cells, thus creating blood clots. They are also key cells for producing growth fa ctors. Fibrin is another component of the blood that works with platelets to create blood clots.
Q: “How are L-PRF clots created?”
A: L-PRF clots are first created by taking a small blood sample from you. The blood sample tubes are spun according to a specific process. This creates a matrix or blood clot. The matrix is then removed from the tube and placed in a device designed to compress the matrix to a desired thickness.
Q: “What is Platelet Fibrin Therapy?”
A: Platelet Fibrin Therapy uses L-PRF clots to promote healing.
Q: “Is L-PRF painful?”
A: It is as painless as a routine blood draw.
Q: “How does L-PRF work to heal?”
A: L-PRF provides a concentrated release of healing proteins, creates a scaffolding to help direct healing and also forms a more efficient network for cells to communicate with other cells and tissues. Due to the high concentration of platelets and leukocytes within the L-PRF clot, the fibrin releases growth factors for up to 14 days after placement. This is when the body is repairing itself and needs the extra help to heal.
Q: “Are there any side effects or complications from L-PRF?”
A: L-PRF uses your own blood, with NO additive whatsoever. Reducing the risk of allergy or side effects because your own concentrated platelets, with their own unique healing abilities, are simply re-introduced at the site of your extraction, implant placement, or other surgical site.
Q: “What types of conditions are treated with L-PRF?”
A: Currently, L-PRF is being used for dental and oral maxillofacial surgical procedures, including dental implants, bone defects, extraction sockets, sinus and dental ridge augmentation, palatal defects, and maxillary bone atrophy.
