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What is Platelet Rich Plasma?

After surgery, the body’s cells work to heal the site of the procedure. Platelet cells are essential to this process, as they assist in clotting and in releasing growth factors: naturally occurring substances that generate new cells and tissue. Platelet rich plasma and platelet rich fibrin harness the power of these growth factors to speed healing and increase tissue regeneration.

Capital Center® for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery uses these treatments to give patients a more comfortable and efficient recovery. Our practice is committed to providing advanced surgical techniques, innovative technology, and experts in the field for the highest level of care. We are equally dedicated to offering patients a warm and welcoming environment to receive treatment.

Comparing Platelet Rich Plasma and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)

Platelet rich plasma and PRF are similar treatments with key differences that make each appropriate for certain patient needs. For example, our practice uses platelet rich plasma as part of cosmetic procedures such as skin and laser resurfacing. Topical treatment can promote faster healing and reduce pain as patients recover.

Though platelet rich plasma is very effective in these cases, our doctors typically use Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) and injectable PRF for oral surgeries. Platelet rich fibrin works the same way as platelet rich plasma, but it does not require additives to stimulate the regenerative process. Instead, it is 100 percent natural and made entirely from the patient’s own blood. This is particularly important for patients who may be allergic to topical thrombin and calcium chloride.

Benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma and Platelet Rich Fibrin

Both platelet rich plasma and PRF offer patients advantages in their recovery after surgery:

Treatment speeds the healing time and reduces discomfort. When platelet rich plasma or PRF is applied to a wound, its growth factors increase the rate of tissue synthesis, which decreases the recovery time. In two days, a wound treated with platelet rich plasma or fibrin looks like an untreated wound would look after a full week.

Both are cost effective. Patients don’t need to go to a hospital or a special lab to have the procedure. Instead, our doctors can produce platelet rich fibrin on site in our practice. The process is fast and only requires a small blood draw from the patient.

Platelet rich plasma and fibrin can be applied in a variety of ways. Once the blood is concentrated, your doctor can use it to form a strong membrane, mold it into different shapes, or lay it out to support a bone graft. Once formed, the material is incredibly strong and acts just like your normal tissue.

What to Expect With Platelet Rich Plasma / Platelet Rich Fibrin

Your doctor can discuss the use of platelet rich plasma and PRF during your initial consultation.  Capital Center® for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery wants you to feel comfortable with and confident in your care, and we invite you to ask any questions you may have about treatment.

On the day of your procedure, our staff will draw a small amount of your blood and place it into a centrifuge. The process, which takes less than 15 minutes, creates a highly concentrated platelet rich material.

The location and technique that your doctor uses to place the platelet rich plasma / PRF will depend on the type of treatment you are having. As examples:

  • We typically use injectable PRF for our patients who are having bone reconstruction procedures. Injectable PRF tends to have more platelet cells in it while containing less concentrated fibrin.
  • Our doctors have employed L-PRF for certain patients who are having third molar extractions. We can use the technique for regenerative procedures on the back of the second molars.
  • L-PRF is also effective in salvaging failing bone grafts and addressing other pathology.

The most noticeable signs of treatment with platelet rich plasma or PRF is that you will heal faster than you might have expected. If you have had a procedure in the past without the benefit of these treatments, expect to be amazed by the results.

Find out how platelet rich plasma and PRF can improve your experience following treatment. Contact Capital Center® for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at (202) 386-7100 or online to schedule a consultation.