Platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, is a technique that uses a small sample of your own blood, concentrated through a specialized process, to support and accelerate healing at a surgical site. It’s become a common addition to extractions, bone grafting, and implant procedures because of what it delivers directly to the site that’s healing.

How PRF is made: a small blood draw is taken at the start of your appointment, similar to a routine lab draw, and spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate platelets and white blood cells into a fibrin matrix. Because it’s derived entirely from your own blood with nothing added, there’s no risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission the way there theoretically could be with donor-derived materials.

What PRF contributes at a surgical site:

• Concentrated growth factors that support faster soft tissue healing and new bone formation
• A natural fibrin scaffold that can be used to stabilize bone grafting material in extraction sockets, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation sites
• Reduced post-operative discomfort and swelling for many patients, since the growth factors support a more efficient healing response
• Lower risk of complications like dry socket in extraction sites, when PRF is placed into the socket after the tooth is removed

Where we commonly use it:

• Wisdom tooth extraction sockets, to support faster, more comfortable healing
• Combined with bone grafting material in sinus lifts and ridge augmentation, improving graft handling and potentially accelerating maturation
• Implant sites, supporting the soft tissue healing around the implant

Is it right for every procedure? PRF is a helpful adjunct rather than a necessity for every case — for a simple, routine extraction in a healthy patient, it may add limited additional benefit. It tends to make the biggest difference in more complex grafting and extraction cases, or for patients wanting to minimize discomfort and speed recovery wherever possible.

PRF is a same-visit addition to your existing procedure, drawn and processed chairside while you’re already in the office. If you’re curious whether it makes sense for your upcoming procedure, ask our team at Falcon Implants & Oral Surgery during your consultation.