The A-PRF membrane, a new technique in dentistry

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The A-PRF membrane, a new technique in dentistry

The A-PRF technique (advanced platelet-rich fibrin) is a modern method in the field of maxillofacial surgery. It is used at bone level, where a quick healing is desired, after a surgical intervention, with multiple uses in dentistry treatments: implantology, oral surgery, periodontology. The patient’s blood is sampled from a vein, during the dental surgical work. The blood is centrifuged in a special centrifuge for 10 minutes, and then it is compressed. An A-PRF membrane is obtained, which is a matrix rich in fibrin, leucocytes, thrombocytes and growth factors (PDGE, TGFD, VEGF). Inserted in the area where a surgical intervention is performed, it provides the protection of the area against external injuries, stimulates a quicker healing and the formation of new bone. The advantage of the A-PRF technique is that it uses the body’s own products, without adding external chemical compounds. The risk of allergy or rejection is zero.

A-PRF technique recommendations

1. Tooth extractions

In the hole inside the bone, remaining after the extraction of the root, this blood membrane with growth and defense factors is inserted. It could also be mixed with autologous or heterologous bone. Thus, the post-extraction alveolus is protected against external harmful factors and the healing is accelerated. The extraction of the tooth is always followed by the resorption of the bone, which decreases in both height and width, rendering the insertion of a replacement dental implant difficult. The application of an A-PRF membrane in the hole slows down the resorption and stimulates healing and the formation of new bone, maintaining its size. Thus, the chances for applying an implant increase.

2. Dental implants

A-PRF applied over the area with the implant at the time of its insertion protects the area, stimulates healing and osteointegration. In case of peri-implantitis (the inflammation and loss of bone around the implant) PRF contributes to a successful healing and stops the progress of the disease.

3. Periodontal disease

A-PRF is capable of healing and regenerating both the soft tissue (gum) and the bone. The application of PRF in bone regeneration techniques has shown significant results in reducing the depth of periodontal pockets.

In gingival recession cases, when the goal is to cover the apparent root with gum, the A-PRF membrane is used. Thus, the surgical technique involving the sampling of a gum graft from the palate is simplified and much easier for the patient.

4.Sinus lift

In the lateral area of the maxillary, sometimes, the bone is narrow and insufficient for the application of an implant. The maxillary sinus which is close to the alveolar crest prevents the insertion of an implant. The amount of bone has to be increased and this work is called sinus lift. By adding PRF, alone or in combination with other biomaterials, the formation of a new bone quantity, adequate for supporting a dental implant, can be stimulated.

Clinical trials have shown that the use of A-PRF reduces post-surgery pain, edema and reduces the risk of infections. At this time, the A-PRF membrane has indisputable advantages, scientifically demonstrated, and contributes to an increase in the quality of medical work, the shortening of the bone recovery time, an increase in the quality of the newly-formed bone, being 100% natural and biocompatible.