L-PRF – Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin

Exciting advances are being made almost daily, in the field of integrative biological dentistry. One of them is the use of L-PRF, leukocyte-platelet rich fibrin, to accelerate healing after a dental procedure. Dr. Jeanne Krizman is one of the few dentists in the Tucson, AZ area to bring the advantages of L-PRF to dental patients.

What is L-PRF?

To understand this complex concept and how it aids in oral healing, it helps to break it down into smaller bits of information.

• Blood has these primary components – plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, leukocytes, and platelets.
• Plasma is the liquid portion of blood in which the other components are suspended.
• Platelets are tiny cell fragments that form a clot at the site of a damaged blood vessel.
• Leukocytes are colorless blood cells that neutralize invading organisms at the site of injury, infection, or inflammation.
• Proteins are chains of amino acids that form vital structural components of body tissues.
• Fibrinogens are proteins in plasma that aid in clotting by producing fibrin.
• Fibrin is an insoluble protein that forms an internal meshwork to impede blood flow.

L-PRF therapy is a method of concentrating platelets, growth factors, leukocytes, and proteins into a pliable biological matrix, and using it to heal both soft and hard tissues. L-PRF is especially helpful in socket preservation – reducing bone loss after a tooth is extracted. L-PRF aids in tissue regeneration following bone grafts, sometimes necessary for successful dental implants. It can also be used to revitalize dental pulp, potentially preventing the need for root canal therapy or extraction.

The L-PRF procedure

A small amount of your own blood is drawn, then the sample is spun in a centrifuge, allowing plasma and platelets to be isolated. These concentrated growth factors and proteins are re-introduced at the treatment site to speed healing and promote natural collagen production.

Concentrated platelets have been used for other types of wound healing, including surgical sites and sports injuries, for more than 20 years. The dental application of L-PRF is a critical advance in periodontal regeneration. It helps patients who might otherwise not have been candidates for dental implants, enjoy restored smiles and chewing function. Because your own blood is used, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. The Tucson Biological Dentistry team handles the procedure efficiently, in a clinically-sterile setting, so there is virtually no risk of infection.

Platelets and fibrinogens have proven to be powerful tools for periodontal regeneration, and other dental uses are still evolving. Dr. Krizman is committed to staying abreast of advances in dentistry, to bring the safest, most effective treatment options to patients of Tucson Biological Dentistry. Call 520-326-0082 to learn more about L-PRF.

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