Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) — Ballantyne, Charlotte NC
Healing support made from your own blood,
prepared in our office the same day.
Platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, comes from a small sample of your own blood. It is prepared in our office during your visit and placed where you are healing after a tooth extraction, bone graft or dental implant, to support healing of the gums and bone. Dr. Robert L. Harrell, DDS, offers PRF in Ballantyne NC as part of our tooth extraction care and general dentistry services.
What PRF Means for You
PRF is one small step that fits inside treatment you are already having.
Made From Your Own Blood
It is prepared from a small sample of your own blood, drawn at your visit.
Prepared During Your Visit
A short spin in our office centrifuge, then it is ready to use.
Supports Gum and Bone Healing
It releases your body’s own growth factors at the site for about two weeks.
Works With Your Bone Graft
It can be placed on its own or mixed with graft material.
One Team, One Plan
Extraction, grafting, PRF and implants are planned together, under one roof.
Comfort Options Available
If you are sedated, the sample is taken through your IV.
PRF supports healing but does not replace a bone graft when one is needed. Results vary from person to person.
Red blood cellsThe red cells settle to the bottom and stay behind.
The PRF layerThe golden layer, rich in platelets and fibrin, is the part we use.
PlasmaThe pale top layer of the sample.
Placed in the socketPRF fills the extraction site, alone or mixed with graft material.
Gum tissueGrowth factors from the PRF support healing of the gums.
Your jawbonePRF supports the bone around the site as it heals.
What PRF Is,
and When It Helps
Platelet-rich fibrin is a natural material made from your own blood. When a small sample is spun in a centrifuge, it separates into layers, and the layer we use is rich in platelets and fibrin. Placed at a surgical site, it releases growth factors that support the healing of your gums and bone.
Some patients have heard of PRP (platelet-rich plasma). Our office uses PRF. It is most often used with tooth extractions, bone grafts and dental implant surgery.
When PRF May Help
Dr. Harrell will let you know whether PRF makes sense for your treatment.
PRF placed in the socket supports healing of the gums and bone.
PRF can be mixed with the graft to help hold it together and support healing. About bone grafting.
PRF can be placed at the implant site to support healing around it. About dental implants.
PRF supports healing, but it does not replace a bone graft when one is needed. If your site needs more bone, Dr. Harrell will talk with you about bone grafting.
After Your Treatment
Follow the aftercare instructions for your extraction, graft or implant. Our post-operative instructions are always available online. For PRF itself:
- A small bruise where the blood was drawn is possible and fades on its own
- Tell us before your visit if you take blood thinners
Call us at (704) 541-9888 if you notice increasing pain, swelling or anything that concerns you.
Questions About PRF
Platelet-rich fibrin is a healing material made from a small sample of your own blood. It is prepared in our office and placed at extraction, bone graft and implant sites to support healing of the gums and bone.
A small blood sample is taken from your arm, or through your IV if you are sedated, and spun in a centrifuge for a few minutes. This separates the sample into layers, and the PRF layer is what we use.
PRF releases your body’s own growth factors at the site for about two weeks, which supports healing. It does not replace a bone graft when one is needed, and results vary from person to person.
It depends on your treatment. PRF is often used when a socket is being prepared for a bone graft or a future implant. Dr. Harrell will tell you whether it makes sense for your case.
Both are made from your own blood. Our office uses PRF, which can be placed in the site on its own or mixed with bone graft material. Dr. Harrell can explain how it fits your treatment.
PRF is usually not covered by dental insurance. Your fee is shown on your treatment plan.
A small bruise where the blood was drawn is possible. Let us know before your visit if you take blood thinners, and ask Dr. Harrell about anything specific to your health.
