LPRF (Leukocyte and Platelet rich Fibrin): What is it and why do we use it?

What is LPRF?

Blood has several different components:

• Plasma : liquid portion of blood
• Red Blood Cells
• Leukocytes or White Blood Cells: cells that neutralize bacteria and invading organisms at the site of injury, infection or inflammation
• Platelets: tiny cells that form a clot at the site of a wound or damaged blood vessel
• Fibrin: insoluble protein that forms a meshwork to stop bleeding

LPRF is a technique that concentrates platelets, growth factors, leukocytes and proteins into a membrane that helps the healing of soft tissue such as gingiva and bone. Since LPRF contains high concentration of platelets and leukocytes, growth factors are released for up to 14 days after placement.

LPRF has a multitude of applications such as combining with bone graft to reduce bone loss after an extraction or when placing implants where is a deficiency of bone. LPRF can also be used for sinus and dental ridge augmentation.

Usage of LPRF in a procedure

Typically, a small amount of blood is drawn from a vein (similar to a routine blood draw for lab work) and then spun down in a centrifuge to isolate and concentrate plasma and platelets. These isolated platelets are then placed into a surgical site to promote better healing. Due to the use of the patient’s blood there is no risk of rejection or an allergic reaction.

Written by Sarah Bong-Thakur, DDS, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

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