In the innovative world of dental care, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) stands out as a revolutionary approach, enhancing the way dentists manage healing and tissue regeneration. This advanced technique is reshaping patient experiences thanks to its incredible healing capabilities. Prof Howard Gluckman discusses the essence of PRF, its applications in dentistry, and how it’s changing the game for dental procedures.
What is platelet-rich fibrin?
PRF is a naturally derived substance obtained from the patient’s own blood. Through a simple process where a small amount of blood is centrifuged, the result is a concentrate of platelets embedded in a fibrin network. This concentrate is rich in growth factors, crucial for initiating and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes.
The magic of platelets and growth factors
Platelets are the body’s healers and are packed with growth factors that play a pivotal role in wound healing. When activated, these platelets release growth factors that stimulate the recruitment of healing cells, enhance tissue regeneration, and promote the formation of new blood vessels. PRF leverages this mechanism, offering a sustained release of growth factors at the site of dental procedures, thereby significantly improving the healing environment.
PRF in bone grafting and tooth extractions
Bone grafting, essential for dental implants, benefits greatly from PRF. Applying PRF to the graft site enhances bone regeneration and strengthens the foundation for implants. In tooth extractions, placing PRF in the socket not only promotes efficient healing but also minimises the risk of dry socket – a painful condition where the blood clot fails to form properly or is dislodged. PRF effectively supports the formation of a stable clot, fostering an optimal healing environment.
Pictured here is Professor Howard Gluckman, a guest speaker at the EAED Academy Meeting in Cannes in June 2023. He presented on Partial Extraction Therapy (PET)
Boosting soft tissue surgery outcomes with PRF
In surgeries involving the mouth’s soft tissues, PRF is a boon for faster recovery and reduced discomfort. Its application to surgical sites accelerates soft tissue regeneration, diminishing recovery times and improving surgical outcomes. This is especially beneficial in aesthetic dental procedures, where rapid and effective soft tissue healing can significantly impact the final appearance.
PRF in gum disease treatment
Gum disease can lead to severe dental issues if left untreated. PRF has emerged as a promising adjunct in the treatment of gum disease, aiding in the regeneration of damaged tissues. When combined with conventional treatments, PRF can speed up gum healing and contribute to the recovery of areas affected by periodontitis, enhancing overall oral health.
Advantages of PRF
- Enhanced healing: The sustained release of growth factors from PRF promotes more effective and quicker healing of both hard and soft tissues.
- Natural and safe: Because it is derived from the patient’s own blood, PRF eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or rejection, ensuring a safe treatment option.
- Versatility: PRF can be applied across a broad spectrum of dental procedures, making it a valuable tool for improving patient care and outcomes.
Conclusion
PRF is significantly advancing dental practices by offering a natural and efficient method to enhance healing and improve outcomes for a variety of dental procedures. Its ability to accelerate the healing process, combined with its safety and versatility, positions PRF as a cornerstone in modern dental care. From bone grafting and tooth extractions to soft tissue surgeries and gum disease treatment, PRF is setting a new standard for recovery, ensuring that dental procedures are not only less invasive but also accompanied by quicker, smoother healing processes.
In the landscape of dental care, PRF is indeed a game-changer, transforming smiles one patient at a time.
BDS MChD (OMP) (Stell) PhD
Prof Howard Gluckman is an internationally renowned implantologist, author, and lecturer. He runs a full-time private practice in Cape Town www.enamel.clinic, and is the co-founder and director of the Implant and Aesthetic Academy (IAA), in Cape Town and London. Prof Gluckman is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania and has been honoured with Adjunct Assistant Professor of the University of the Western Cape, and is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Dentistry with the Dental Clinical Centre.
After completing his dental training at the University of Witwatersrand in 1990, Howard spent a few years in general practice. He then took on a four-year degree in Oral Medicine and Periodontics at the University of Stellenbosch, which he completed with Distinction (Cum Laude). Howard became instrumental in developing the University of Stellenbosch and the University of the Western Cape’s postgraduate Implantology Diploma. Howard completed his Ph.D. Summa Cum Laude at the University of Szeged in Hungary, supervised by Professor Katalin Nagy.
In addition, Howard is an expert in and thought leader on Partial Extraction Therapy. His expertise includes Socket Shield, Pontic Shield (a procedure he developed and published in 2016), and Submerged Root Technique. Howard’s specialities are Immediate Implant Placement with socket shield as well as advanced bone rebuilding and soft tissue management.
In 2024, Prof. Howard Gluckman was awarded the 10th Annual Morton Amsterdam Lifetime Award for the Teaching of Multidisciplinary Dentistry by DentalXP.
- Prof. Howard Gluckmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/prof-howard-gluckman
- Prof. Howard Gluckmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/prof-howard-gluckman
- Prof. Howard Gluckmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/prof-howard-gluckman
