At our holistic dental practice located in Baker Street, we believe in working with your body, not against it. That’s why we’re proud to provide Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) treatment, as a powerful, natural way to support healing after oral surgery.
Whether you’re having a tooth removed, a dental implant placed, or a bone grafting procedure, PRF may be recommended by our team to give your body the extra support it needs to heal faster and more efficiently.
But what exactly is PRF, and how does it work?
What Is PRF?
Imagine a healing therapy that comes directly from your own body with no chemicals, additives, or animal products. That’s the beauty of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF).
PRF is a concentrated part of your own blood, packed with platelets, fibrin, and natural growth factors (PDGF, TGF‑β, VEGF & EGF), which provide sustained delivery to tissues. These elements are essential for healing soft tissues and bone. By placing this nutrient-rich matrix into the surgical area, we help your body recover faster, reduce inflammation, and minimize discomfort, naturally.
Why We Use PRF in Holistic Dentistry
Unlike synthetic materials or drug-based healing aids, PRF is 100% natural and biocompatible. This means your body recognizes it as its own, allowing for better healing without foreign substances. It’s especially aligned with holistic principles: no chemicals, no anticoagulants, and absolutely no animal-derived components.
PRF is used to support healing in:
- Tooth extractions
- Dental implant placement
- Bone grafting or sinus lift procedures
- Periodontal (gum) surgeries
- Treatment of soft tissue or bone defects
How Does PRF Work?
The process is quick and gentle, and it’s done entirely during your regular surgical appointment.
- Blood Collection: Just like a routine blood test, we draw a small amount of your blood (usually two vials) from your arm.
- Centrifugation: The blood is placed in a special centrifuge, spinning it at high speed to separate its components.
- PRF Preparation: We collect the fibrin-rich layer and shape it into a membrane or plug, ready to be used during your procedure.
- Application: Once your dental surgery is complete, we place the PRF directly into the site to begin working its healing magic.
The entire PRF process from collection to application in one appointment takes around 20 minutes and is blended into your normal appointment.
The Healing Benefits of PRF
Patients often tell us how surprised they are at how quickly they recover with PRF. Here’s why:
✅ Accelerates healing of soft tissue and bone. Some papers say as much as 50% improvement.
✅ Reduces swelling and discomfort after surgery
✅ Minimizes risk of infection and complications like dry socket
✅ Enhances bone and tissue regeneration
✅ Completely safe and natural – made from your body, for your healing
Preparing for PRF: What You Can Do
To ensure your PRF treatment goes smoothly, here are a few simple but important things to keep in mind:
- Eat a light meal before your appointment (unless advised otherwise by your dentist).
- Stay well-hydrated. Drink 1 to 2 liters of water before your visit.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and sleeves that can roll up easily.
- Let us know about any medications or health conditions.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours beforehand.
Please note: If we can’t collect enough blood, we may not be able to proceed with PRF. PRF also cannot be used in infected areas.
Aftercare and What to Expect With PRF Treatment
We’ll give you personalized post-op instructions, but here’s what most people experience:
- Mild swelling and tenderness are normal and temporary
- You may feel lightheaded briefly after blood collection
- You should avoid touching or disturbing the surgical area for 24 hours
- Refrain from alcohol and smoking, and follow all medication instructions
- Use a cold compress if needed for swelling
- Keep up with gentle oral hygiene and attend follow-up appointments
Are There Any Risks?
Because PRF is made from your own blood, it’s considered extremely safe. Some people may experience:
- Slight bruising or tenderness at the blood draw site
- Temporary dizziness or lightheadedness
- Mild swelling at the surgical area
- Rare risk of infection as with any surgical procedure
As always, your individual healing process may vary based on your health, medications, and lifestyle, and our team will run through your medical history and concerns prior to your treatment to answer your questions.
Let’s Heal the Way Nature Intended
At Optimal Dental Health Baker Street, healing isn’t just clinical, it’s personal. Our biological dentist is here to help your body do what it’s designed to do: regenerate, repair, and restore, using the wisdom of nature and the support of modern science.
If you have any questions about PRF or your upcoming procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you, every step of the way. Call us today on 020 3921 1000 or email our team at hello@optimaldental.co.uk
