The difference between PRP vs. PRF treatments

Teeth play a vital role in a person’s general health and wellbeing. Over the last few decades, new treatment methods have been used to treat various dental issues. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) play a key role in dental care. Blood contains many healing components and properties; using the benefits of extraction makes it easier for the body to heal. Dentists are now using PRP and PRF to speed up recovery. Review the information below on both of these therapies.

What is PRP, and how does it work?

PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma is a term used to describe platelets found in the blood. A patient’s blood is taken and put through a centrifuge to extract plasma with a high concentration of platelets. This concentration contains many growth factors that are then injected into areas that need healing. For dental processes, calcium chloride and thrombin are added so that they speed up recovery. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is all about introducing this concentration into damaged areas to help tissues repair themselves faster and promote healing.

What is PRF, and how does it work?

PRF or Platelet Rich Fibrin is a newer method and more straightforward. PRF is also found in the blood and is extracted. It is also a concentration of a person’s blood platelets. This process involves collecting a patient’s blood and passing it through a centrifuge. A fibrin membrane is created as part of the process due to natural polymerization. PRF concentrates include leukocytes, plates, and fibrin which can be used on their own or with other biomaterials. The membrane created during the centrifugal process helps heal wounds better, reduce inflammation, speed up tissue regeneration, and reduce infections.

Key differences in PRP and PRF therapies

PRP and PRF are similar and different. Both contain growth proteins that help the body repair damaged tissues.

1. Both products require a patient’s blood before plasma or fibrin can be extracted.
2. To extract PRP and PRF from blood, a patient’s blood is run through a centrifuge at various speeds. The key difference is that the PRP process extracts just platelets and plasma. PRF is done at a slightly slower rate and collects more factors.
3. In PRP therapy, essential growth factors are used to jumpstart healing. PRF has more platelets and other elements in the final solution.
4. As part of the PRP therapy, anticoagulants are added to the blood to prevent clotting during processing. PRF production helps in the formation of a matrix in which the platelets are released more slowly when injected.
5. PRP contains 2 to 5 times the concentration of platelets. PRF has 10 times the concentration.

Key similarities between PRP and PRF

1. PRP and PRF contain growth proteins that are key to helping the body heal.
2. Both are used to treat issues such as scars and damaged bones while reducing infections.
3. Both processes use a patient’s own blood.
4. Both PRP and PRF help heal soft tissue in the mouth and other areas.
5. Both are easy to handle.

Quick healing is a factor that is highly valued in the medical field. Many doctors and specialists use PRP therapy to help a patient heal and recover fast after major surgery. Talk to your dentist to find out which is better for you – PRP or PRF. Your dentist will determine the right one to use based on your needs. This is usually done in consultation with your primary care physician.

Want more information on PRP therapy? Contact Ashraf Dentistry today!