In dentistry, we rely on the body’s ability to heal and regenerate tissue when we perform procedures that affect the gums and bone. But one therapy makes it possible to accelerate your body’s healing using your own blood. L-PRF in dentistry is a unique kind of platelet therapy. It concentrates the restorative properties in your blood to support a faster, easier recovery after dental procedures.
With L-PRF therapy, we essentially create a bioactive bandage that boosts healing at the site of a dental procedure, so your body can repair itself more quickly. This therapy is completely natural and entirely made from your own body, without adding any chemicals or foreign substances. It’s an innovative and FDA-cleared treatment that is both safe and effective!
L-PRF Therapy Explained
Whenever Dr. Rick Miller performs oral surgery or dental procedures, one of his top priorities is ensuring your mouth heals properly afterward. Effective healing is key to the long-term success of any treatment. When your body can rebuild tissue efficiently, you lower the risk of infection and improve overall outcomes.
L-PRF promotes better tissue regeneration, which helps you heal faster and more comfortably after your procedure.
But what does L-PRF therapy refer to?
L-PRF stands for leukocyte-and platelet-rich fibrin. Leukocytes are white blood cells that help your body heal, while platelets are small blood cells that help with clotting. And fibrin naturally forms when you get injured, acting like a mesh that traps red blood cells and helps your blood clot. So L-PRF is a potent form of the components your body uses to rebuild and repair itself after injury or surgery.
L-PRF Therapy in Action
How does L-PRF therapy actually work? The process transforms your blood into the material that will be administered in the therapy. First, we need to take a small blood sample, comparable to what you would expect from a routine blood test. From there, your blood sample goes on a journey, becoming supercharged with healing powers and supporting faster healing right where your body needs it most. Here’s what you can expect from the process:
- Centrifuge. After we take your blood sample, we place the vial in a centrifuge. This is a special machine that spins the sample for a precise duration to separate the blood into three layers. The bottom layer is made of red blood cells, while the middle layer contains platelets and white blood cells. The top layer is plasma.
- Harvest. The middle layer creates a fibrin clot, rich in healing properties from platelets and white blood cells. We remove this layer and prepare it for Dr. Miller to use in your treatment.
- Administer. To administer L-PRF therapy, Dr. Miller applies the prepared fibrin clot where he wants to promote faster healing.
The L-PRF clot allows the treatment site to heal faster. This is because the content of the fibrin clot directs your body to repair itself at a faster rate by releasing growth factors. L-PRF in dentistry releases these growth factors for up to 2 weeks after administration, helping to ensure a smoother recovery.
Heal Faster With L-PRF in Dentistry
Your body’s ability to heal in general is critical to your overall well-being. In dentistry, how well you heal from procedures directly influences their likelihood of success. Soft tissue and bone healing are particularly important after we perform surgical dental procedures.
Dr. Miller may recommend L-PRF to complement specific treatments, such as:
- Dental implants and mini dental implants
- Tooth extractions
- Bone grafting
- Treatment for periodontal disease
In dentistry, L-PRF is an add-on procedure. We can perform all of our procedures without L-PRF therapy, but we find that patients appreciate the faster recovery that L-PRF supports. It’s just another way that Bent Tree Dental wants to make you feel more comfortable as a patient in our office. When you visit for a consultation, Dr. Miller will discuss with you whether L-PRF is right for your situation.
Learn More About L-PRF Therapy in Dentistry
L-PRF in dentistry can help your body recover from dental procedures faster using your body’s healing capabilities. Dr. Miller often uses L-PRF in tandem with advanced dental procedures to support your recovery as you restore or preserve your smile. At Bent Tree Dental, we’re always ready to combine the most advanced technology with old-fashioned hospitality and comfort to give you the dental experience you deserve.
Learn more about how L-PRF can help you by scheduling a consultation at our office.
