New Innovative Technology Provides Biofuel for Healing
P
latelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), an innovative biomaterial, used widely in the
medical and dental field to enhance healing of tissues, is now available at the Intercare Dental Centre of Excellence in Tyger Valley. PRF is a complex fibrin matrix containing platelets and leucocytes that are essential for healing of soft and hard tissues.
How is it obtained? A small sample of the patient’s own blood is taken and placed in a special centrifuge for 8 minutes. At the end of the spin, a fibrin clot, called Platelet-Rich Fibrin, containing the majority of the platelets and white blood cells, is obtained. How does it work? The Platelet-Rich Fibrin clot or membrane placed in the surgical site or defect will gradually release growth factors and cytokine messenger molecules that stimulate and guide the movement of cells towards sites of surgery, trauma, inflammation and infection to accelerate the healing of soft and hard tissues. PRF membranes can be used, but not limited to, treatment of soft tissue and bone defects, extraction sockets, sinus and alveolar ridge augmentation during implant placement. Additional advantages of PRF are that it also has a supportive effect on the immune system and helps control bleeding and is a simple, quick and cost-effective process. Patients receiving implant therapy can now expect to receive this biomaterial as an added value to their treatment where indicated.
Dr Johan Hartshorne - Intercare Tyger Valley