Dental Artistry now offers PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) as a routine adjunct therapy to implant placement, bone grafting and site preservation procedures.

What is PRF?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a platelet concentrate made up from the patient’s blood. It can be used to promote wound healing, bone regeneration, graft stabilization, wound sealing, and hemostasis.

What happens?

The PRF procedure is a simple one beginning with drawing the patient’s blood and placing it in a centrifuge for a few minutes. During the centrifuge process, the blood coagulates and separates into distinct layers. The PRF concentrate; containing platelets, growth factors and stem cells, is extracted and compressed into a membrane or plug. This material can then be used in the dental procedure.

How does PRF work?

PRF amplifies the effects of wound healing, speeding up the healing process and optimising graft results. PRF is capable of generating both soft tissue and bone and can be used in conjunction with either a bone substitute or alone. The PRF material acts as a biodegradable scaffold for new tissue as well as acting as a barrier membrane, preventing the migration of non-desirable cells into the bone defect.

When might PRF be used?

At Dental Artistry, PRF is used routinely during site maintenance. After a tooth is extracted, a PRF plug can be used to fill the tooth socket, to prevent or reduce bone shrinkage. Similarly, PRF can be used to maintain alveolar ridge maintenance at the time of multiple extractions. In cases of gingival recession, PRF can be used to improve and regain periodontal soft tissue attachment. PRF can also be used for the treatment of intra-bony periodontal defects (gaps in the bone).

Is there an additional cost involved?

Despite the considerable investment we have made in equipment and training for both our New Plymouth and Auckland clinics, there is no additional cost to you for the use of PRF technology.