Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a cutting-edge regenerative dental treatment now available at Arlington Dental (43 Broadway, Arlington, MA). PRF uses a patient’s own blood to create a concentrated fibrin-rich clot that accelerates healing and tissue regeneration after dental procedures. By harnessing your body’s natural growth factors (like PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, etc.), PRF acts as a biological scaffold for new bone and gum tissue. This means faster recovery, less pain, and stronger results for treatments such as dental implants, gum grafts, extractions, and bone grafting.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy at our Arlington, MA office begins with drawing a small sample of your own blood. By using autologous (your own) blood products, PRF is extremely safe with virtually no risk of rejection or disease transmission. In fact, experts describe PRF as a “natural, viable and satisfactory alternative with favorable results and low risks” in oral surgery. As pictured above, our clinicians carefully process your blood to extract the platelet- and fibrin-rich core – the PRF clot – which is then applied to the surgical site to boost healing.
What is PRF and How Does It Work?
PRF is a second-generation platelet concentrate. It’s made by drawing a small amount of your blood (typically 20–60 mL) and spinning it in a centrifuge. This simple two-step process separates your blood into layers: red blood cells at the bottom, cell-poor plasma on top, and a fibrin clot rich in platelets and growth factors in the middle. The result is a sticky, gel-like matrix of your own fibrin and platelets – that’s PRF. Because no anticoagulants or additives are used in PRF preparation, the clot is entirely biocompatible.
How PRF promotes healing: The platelets and leukocytes trapped in the fibrin scaffold release powerful growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, IGF, etc.) over several days. These factors stimulate stem cells and fibroblasts to regenerate bone and soft tissue more rapidly. For example, mixing PRF with bone graft material provides a 3D matrix (see image) that helps bone grafts heal faster. Research shows PRF releases growth factors continuously for 5–10 minutes after clotting and up to 3–5 hours, creating an extended healing boost. In practical terms, this means your dental surgical site gets a concentrated “dose” of your body’s natural repair signals, so recovery is quicker and more robust than normal.
PRF vs. PRP: What’s the Difference?
PRF (fibrin) and PRP (plasma) are related, but PRF is often preferred in dentistry. PRP requires adding anticoagulants and high-speed spins, yielding a liquid concentrate. In contrast, PRF is spun at a slower speed without any additives. The key differences:
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Preparation: PRF is made chairside without chemicals, using less blood than PRP. Modern protocols allow PRF to be obtained from as little as ~20–60 mL of blood.
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Composition: PRF forms a gel-like fibrin mesh (a 3D clot) that slowly releases growth factors over a week, while PRP is a liquid that releases factors more quickly and may require additional agents to gel.
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Healing Response: PRF’s fibrin scaffold provides sustained release of growth factors and contains leukocytes that help with immunity. Studies indicate PRF can release growth factors more gradually and for longer than PRP.
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Safety & Convenience: Both use your own blood, but PRF’s simpler protocol (no additives) makes it very safe and easy to use during routine dental surgery.
Dentists like ours often favor PRF over PRP because it yields a richer, more usable clot for bone and gum regeneration. In fact, Arlington Dental notes that PRF provides a sustained boost of healing proteins without artificial additives.
Benefits of PRF in Dentistry
PRF offers multiple clinical advantages for dental patients. By supercharging the body’s own healing, it can:
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Speed Healing: The concentrated growth factors in PRF “jump-start” tissue synthesis. Patients typically notice faster reduction in swelling and tenderness after surgery. Research confirms that saturating a wound with PRF’s platelets accelerates tissue regeneration.
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Reduce Pain and Inflammation: PRF forms a protective fibrin barrier at the site. This lowers the need for pain meds and cuts inflammation. Clinically, sites treated with PRF often have less bleeding and swelling, and patients report feeling more comfortable.
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Lower Infection Risk: The fibrin matrix seals the wound and releases immune-stimulating cells. PRF-treated sites often seal more quickly, which means a lower chance of complications like dry socket after tooth extractions. In short, PRF creates an environment where germs are kept out and healing cells come in.
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Enhanced Bone Regeneration: PRF contains bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) known to induce new bone formation. Studies show PRF-treated bone grafts grow significantly more new bone than grafts without PRF. For example, adding PRF to implant sites or bone grafts makes implants fuse to the jaw more predictably and with greater volume.
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Comfort & Safety: Recovery “feels better” with PRF. Many patients find their surgical sites heal fully in just a few weeks, faster than usual. Because PRF is autologous, it’s allergy-free and biocompatible. There’s virtually no risk of immune reaction or disease transmission from PRF itself.
In summary, PRF turns a simple blood draw into a natural healing booster. By applying your own healing factors, we achieve faster tissue and bone regeneration, less postoperative discomfort, and improved overall outcomes. At our Arlington, MA practice, this means you’ll recover more comfortably and get back to normal faster.
How PRF is Used in Dental Treatments
Dental Implants & Bone Grafting
One of PRF’s most common uses is with dental implants. When placing an implant, adding PRF to the site or mixing it with bone graft material can dramatically improve outcomes. The PRF clot provides scaffolding and growth factors that encourage the jaw to build new bone around the implant. In fact, studies have shown that implants augmented with PRF form more bone faster than implants without it. Clinically, this translates to a more predictable osseointegration (implant fusing) and a lower risk of implant failure.
PRF is also used in advanced bone-grafting procedures. For example, in a sinus lift (raising the sinus floor to allow upper implants) or a ridge augmentation (rebuilding jawbone width), PRF is blended with the graft material. This accelerates bone regeneration and stabilizes the graft. Essentially, adding PRF means your new bone forms more predictably and rapidly.
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Example: If you need a sinus lift for upper implants, we’ll mix PRF with the sinus graft. The PRF boosts the graft’s healing power, helping new bone fill the sinus floor more quickly.
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Example: In cases of severe bone loss, a ridge augmentation with PRF helps rebuild the jawbone faster than grafts alone.
Gum Grafting and Periodontal Regeneration
For patients with gum recession or periodontal disease, PRF can significantly improve gum surgery results. When a gum graft is placed to cover exposed roots, applying PRF under the graft helps new tissue grow. PRF seals the surgical site and delivers growth factors that foster connective tissue attachment. This leads to denser, healthier gum coverage and reduces post-op sensitivity. Periodontists report that PRF “increases the regrowth of bone and tissue, decreasing the risk of complications” after gum surgery.
PRF is also beneficial in treating intrabony periodontal defects (deep bone pockets). Used with guided tissue regeneration membranes or bone grafts, PRF’s fibrin network helps bone and ligament fibers regrow around teeth. In short, PRF aids the natural regenerative processes in the gums and jaw bone during periodontal therapy.
Tooth Extractions & Socket Preservation
After an extraction, the jawbone tends to shrink (resorb) quickly. To preserve bone and gum volume, we often place PRF in the empty socket. The PRF clot acts as a “biologic plug,” maintaining the ridge height as the site heals. When PRF is combined with a bone graft for socket preservation, research shows far better maintenance of ridge dimensions over time.
For example, studies report that sockets treated with PRF (plus graft) have significantly more bone fill than those grafted without PRF. In practical terms, this means if you plan a future implant, the socket will be in much better shape, or even forgoing an implant, your jaw structure remains strong. PRF also dramatically reduces the chance of dry socket – a painful complication – by stabilizing the blood clot in the tooth socket.
Other Oral Surgery Repairs
Beyond implants and gums, PRF is useful in many surgical scenarios. For instance, if a patient has an oral fistula (an abnormal infection canal from a tooth root) or needs cyst removal, PRF is placed in the repair site to speed healing. It’s also applied in jaw trauma or corrective surgeries where rapid bone repair is needed. Clinics report that PRF’s fibrin matrix “is especially useful” for binding bone graft particles and healing complex sites.
In summary, PRF is a versatile tool: from filling extraction sockets to fortifying grafts and even aiding soft-tissue repair, it accelerates healing wherever applied. At Arlington Dental, we evaluate each surgical case to see if adding PRF can improve the outcome – often, it does.
The PRF Procedure at Arlington Dental
Your PRF treatment is done right here in our Arlington office as part of your dental procedure. Here’s what to expect:
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Consultation: First, Dr. Robert Page reviews your case (implants, gum graft, etc.) and explains how PRF can help. We’ll discuss benefits, and any questions you have.
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Blood Draw: When it’s time for your surgery, a team member will draw a small amount of blood (usually 1–2 small vials) from your arm, just like a routine blood test. This takes only a minute or two and uses a very thin needle – most patients feel minimal discomfort.
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Centrifugation: Immediately after drawing, the blood is placed in a tabletop centrifuge (see image). The machine spins the blood at low speed for about 10–15 minutes, separating it into layers. While the blood is spinning, your dentist begins the planned procedure (e.g. preparing the implant site or extraction).
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Applying PRF: Once the PRF clot is ready, we gently place or mix it into the surgical site. The PRF acts like a biologic bandage, filling gaps and coating bone or gum tissue. We may trim the PRF to fit or combine it with graft material. Because the surgical area is already numb, you won’t feel this step.
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Completion: The PRF doesn’t add much time – just about 10 extra minutes for the blood draw and spin. Then we complete suturing or placing any remaining graft material.
After your appointment, post-op care is almost identical to any surgery. You may notice less bleeding and swelling at the PRF-treated site. Because PRF continues to deliver healing signals for several days, many patients find that their wound closes faster and pain is milder. We will give you standard aftercare instructions. One special note: avoid anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for about a week before and after PRF therapy if possible. NSAIDs like ibuprofen can dampen platelet function and slightly reduce PRF effectiveness. Otherwise, just follow regular healing guidelines (soft foods, hygiene, etc.).
Who is a Good Candidate for PRF?
Almost any healthy adult dental patient can benefit from PRF. It’s especially helpful if you’re getting an implant, bone graft, gum graft, or have extractions planned. Since PRF is simply your own blood product, there are no special allergies to worry about. However, if you have severe blood clotting disorders or extremely low platelets, Dr. Page will evaluate whether PRF is appropriate. In general, most patients (including teens and seniors) respond well to PRF, and complications are very rare.
Cost and insurance can vary. Many dental plans do not cover PRF as a standalone procedure, but it is often billed as part of a covered surgery (like an implant graft). Even if not fully covered, our team will discuss fees with you. Because PRF is prepared in-office, it’s relatively cost-effective – far cheaper than sending lab samples out. Many patients feel the health benefits and faster recovery easily justify the cost. (For perspective, PRF therapies at other practices often range in the few hundreds of dollars per site.)
Ultimately, PRF is a safe, gentle enhancement to procedures you’re already undergoing. At Arlington Dental, we use it judiciously when it will give you a better, faster healing outcome. For a deeper look at how PRF works in clinical settings, we recommend viewing this informative presentation from the American Academy of Ophthalmology: Membrane Magic: Application of Platelet-Rich Fibrin.
People Also Ask
Q: What exactly is Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in dentistry?
A: PRF is an autologous (from your own body) platelet concentrate used to speed up healing in dental surgery. To prepare PRF, we draw a small sample of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge. This yields a fibrin clot rich in platelets and growth factors. We then apply that PRF clot to the surgical site – for example, a tooth socket or implant area. Because PRF includes growth factors and a fibrin scaffold, it encourages new bone and gum tissue to form, sealing wounds and accelerating recovery. (In simple terms, PRF uses your body’s own healing components to help tissues regenerate faster.)
Q: How is PRF different from PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?
A: Both PRF and PRP use your blood’s platelets, but PRF contains a natural fibrin matrix. In PRP, an anticoagulant is added and plasma is isolated as a liquid. PRF, by contrast, uses no additives – the blood is spun at a lower speed to yield a gelatinous clot. This means PRF requires less blood and is gentler on cells. The key practical difference is that PRF’s fibrin clot releases growth factors slowly over time, providing a sustained healing effect, whereas PRP delivers factors more quickly. Many dentists prefer PRF for dental treatments because it delivers growth signals more gradually and is simpler to prepare chairside.
Q: What are the benefits of using PRF in dental treatments?
A: PRF can greatly enhance your healing. It accelerates tissue regeneration, so wounds close up faster. Patients often see less swelling and pain after procedures using PRF. Because PRF is packed with your own growth factors, it lowers the risk of infection and dry socket by sealing the surgical site quicker. For bone grafts and implants, PRF improves the bone growth and stability; research even shows implants augmented with PRF can form more new bone faster. Overall, PRF means a smoother recovery: less discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities.
Q: Is PRF therapy safe? Are there side effects?
A: Yes. PRF is extremely safe because it comes from your own blood. There’s virtually no chance of an allergic reaction or disease transmission. You may feel a little soreness or bruising at the blood draw site, but no special side effects from the PRF itself. Since no foreign chemicals are used, complications are very rare. (Only patients with serious blood disorders might be advised against it.) In short, PRF adds almost no risk to standard dental surgery and can make healing safer and faster.
Q: How does PRF help with dental implant healing?
A: PRF significantly aids implant integration by promoting new bone growth around the implant. When placed at the implant site, PRF’s growth factors recruit stem cells that form bone tissue. This means implants fuse to your jaw bone more predictably. For example, studies have shown that adding PRF to dental implants results in faster and greater bone regeneration. Clinically, patients who get PRF with their implants often notice that the site heals quicker and with less inflammation, leading to a smoother recovery.
Q: Can PRF regenerate bone or tissue after a tooth extraction?
A: Absolutely. PRF is frequently used for socket preservation. After an extraction, Arlington Dental places PRF (often with bone graft) into the tooth socket. The PRF helps maintain bone height and encourages new bone and gum tissue to fill the area. In fact, clinical studies show significantly better bone fill in extraction sockets treated with PRF and graft than with graft alone. PRF also stabilizes the blood clot, reducing gum shrinkage and lowering dry socket risk.
Q: How is PRF prepared and how long does it take?
A: PRF preparation is quick and done right in our office. We draw 1–2 vials of blood before your procedure, then spin it in a centrifuge at low speed for about 10–15 minutes. The result is a fibrin clot rich in platelets. Often the main surgery (implant, extraction, etc.) is already underway while the blood spins. By the time the site is ready for closure, the PRF clot is prepared and can be applied. Overall, adding PRF usually takes only about 10–15 extra minutes to the visit, but yields big healing benefits.
Q: Do I need to avoid any medications before PRF therapy?
A: Yes, we generally advise avoiding anti-inflammatory meds (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for about a week before PRF if possible. NSAIDs can inhibit platelet function and might slightly reduce the effectiveness of PRF. Otherwise, no special diet is needed. Just stay well-hydrated and inform Dr. Robert Page of any blood thinners or disorders. Other than that, you can continue your normal routine.
Q: Is PRF painful? Will I feel it during the procedure?
A: The PRF process itself is not painful. It only involves a quick blood draw (like a routine lab test) and then placing the PRF at the surgical site, which is already numbed by local anesthesia. You won’t feel the PRF being applied. In fact, many patients report that they experience less pain after surgery when PRF is used, because PRF speeds healing and reduces inflammation. So the procedure is comfortable, and recovery is often smoother.
Q: How long do the effects of PRF last?
A: PRF acts as a short-term booster for your body’s healing. After placement, the PRF clot releases growth factors over about 7–10 days – this is the critical healing window after surgery. The fibrin scaffold gradually dissolves as new tissue grows. Ultimately, PRF catalyzes a stronger long-term outcome: your tissues regenerate more fully and quickly. Many patients find that by a few weeks out, their surgical site feels completely healed, thanks to that early PRF boost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “PRF” stand for? Platelet-Rich Fibrin. It’s a concentration of platelets and fibrin from your own blood.
How does PRF help my dental surgery? PRF’s growth factors accelerate tissue and bone healing, improve graft success, and generally reduce recovery time and pain.
Is PRF safe? Yes – PRF is made from your own blood, so it’s biocompatible and infection-free. Almost all healthy patients can safely use it.
How many PRF treatments will I need? Typically just one PRF application per surgical site is enough. In rare complex cases, multiple PRF sessions might be used, but usually one is all that’s needed.
Will my insurance cover PRF? Insurance coverage varies. Some plans may cover PRF as part of a larger procedure, but many do not cover PRF specifically. We can help check your benefits.
Are there any risks with PRF? Virtually none from the PRF itself. Since it’s sterile and from your own body, it does not introduce any infection risk. The main risks are just those of the underlying surgery (like implant or extraction).
What happens to the PRF after it’s placed? The fibrin matrix gradually breaks down as it releases growth factors. Over days, it is replaced by your new tissue. By week 1–2, the PRF scaffold is mostly gone, but its healing benefits live on in the regenerated tissue.
Can children or seniors get PRF? Yes, PRF can be used for patients of almost all ages, as long as they are otherwise healthy. Our dentists will confirm platelet counts are adequate, but most patients – including teens and older adults – benefit from PRF.
Is PRF used for gum disease treatment? Yes. In periodontal surgery, PRF is applied to gum grafts or bone defects. It encourages new gum and bone growth, helping treat gum recession or pocketing. Many periodontists now use PRF for advanced gum disease cases.
How long does the PRF process add to my appointment? Only about 10–15 extra minutes. We can spin the PRF while performing your main procedure, so it adds minimal time but provides significant healing gains.
For more information or to see if PRF is right for you, schedule a consultation at Arlington Dental in Arlington, MA. Our team is happy to explain how PRF can be integrated into your specific treatment plan and help you heal faster and stronger.
Conclusion: PRF — A Natural Boost for Better Healing in Arlington, MA
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is transforming how we approach healing in dental surgery. Whether you’re getting a dental implant, a bone graft, or simply having a tooth extracted, PRF can significantly improve your recovery by enhancing the body’s own regenerative abilities. At Arlington Dental, we are proud to offer this advanced, all-natural technique right here in our modern, comfortable office.
Because PRF is created from your own blood, it’s not only safe and biocompatible—it’s also one of the most effective ways to stimulate new bone and tissue growth. With reduced pain, faster healing, and better long-term outcomes, PRF gives our patients a smarter, science-backed recovery. Arlington, MA dental care is available at Arlington Dental, 43 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474. (781) 641-0500.