The Use of PRP and L-PRF in Surgical Dentistry

Accelerating Healing Naturally: The Use of PRP and L-PRF in Surgical Dentistry

At Portland Perio Implant Center, we’re committed to leveraging the latest innovations to enhance patient outcomes—especially when it comes to surgical procedures like bone grafting and implant placement. One such innovation we routinely use is biologic enhancement with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Leukocyte – and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF).

These technologies harness the body’s natural healing potential to promote faster and more predictable recovery following oral surgery.

What are PRP and L-PRF?

Accelerating Healing Naturally: The Use of PRP and L-PRF in Surgical Dentistry - Dr. Kamran Haghighat - Portland Perio Implant Center

Both PRP and L-PRF are derived from the patient’s own blood and are rich in platelet cells, which play a crucial role in healing by releasing growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration and repair. However, PRP and L-PRF differ in how they’re prepared and how they behave in surgical applications.

How Are They Prepared?

Preparation involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood immediately before surgery. The blood is then processed in a specialized centrifuge in our office:

PRP is prepared by spinning the blood at higher speeds to separate platelets from other blood components. This results in a concentrated liquid plasma rich in platelets, which can be applied directly to surgical sites, mixed with bone graft materials, or injected around healing tissues.
L-PRF, on the other hand, is spun at lower speeds for a longer duration. This slower spin allows for the creation of a fibrin clot — a dense, gel-like matrix rich in platelets, leukocytes (white blood cells), and growth factors. Once formed, it can be shaped into a membrane or plug and placed directly over bone grafts or surgical sites.

PRP vs. L-PRF: What’s the Difference?

While both materials serve similar regenerative purposes, there are some important distinctions:

Feature	PRP	L-PRF
Consistency	Liquid	Gel-like matrix (clot)
Leukocyte Content	Low	High
Fibrin Structure	Minimal	Dense fibrin scaffold
Growth Factor Release	Rapid, short-term	Slower, sustained over days
Application	Injection or mix with grafts	Membrane or plug for surgical site coverage

Why We Use L-PRF at Portland Perio Implant Center

In our practice, we utilize L-PRF, particularly in significant bone grafting and sinus lift procedures. These biologic enhancements offer several key benefits:

Accelerated healing
Improved graft integration
Reduced post-operative discomfort
Lower risk of infection
Enhanced soft tissue regeneration

Because the material is 100% autologous (from the patient), it is also incredibly safe and biocompatible, with no risk of rejection or disease transmission.

Clinical Applications and Success Rates

Our clinical experience with L-PRF has shown remarkable improvements in patient outcomes across various procedures:

Extraction Site Preservation: When placed in extraction sockets, L-PRF reduces bone loss by up to 25% compared to traditional approaches, preserving ridge dimensions for future implant placement.
Sinus Augmentation: L-PRF membranes used in conjunction with bone grafting materials during sinus lifts have demonstrated reduced healing time from the typical 6-9 months to approximately 4-6 months in many cases.
Dental Implant Integration: Studies show that L-PRF can improve early osseointegration rates and reduce the risk of early implant failure by creating a more favorable healing environment when used during implant placement.

Patient Experience and Comfort

Beyond the clinical benefits, patients undergoing procedures with L-PRF often report less post-operative discomfort. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of leukocytes in L-PRF contribute to reduced swelling, while the fibrin matrix itself helps protect sensitive nerve endings during the healing process.

Better Healing, Better Results

As a center of excellence for dental implants and surgical care, we believe every aspect of healing matters. Incorporating L-PRF into our treatment protocols supports the body’s natural healing abilities, leading to faster recovery, vigorous bone regeneration, and more predictable outcomes.

If you’re considering dental implants and require bone reconstruction as part of the treatment or have questions about biologic enhancements for oral surgery, we’re here to help.

Contact Portland Perio Implant Center to schedule a consultation and learn more about how modern techniques can make a difference in your care.

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants.

Tag: Periodontist

Why would a dentist refer you to a periodontist?

A dentist may recommend a visit to a periodontist if they suspect that the patient has gum disease or if there are signs of inflammation, bleeding, or infections in the gums. A periodontist specializes in the treatment of gum diseases and can provide more specialized care and treatment options. It is important to follow through with the recommendation to prevent further complications and maintain good oral health.

Tags: dentist, Periodontist

What does a periodontist do?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. They also perform procedures such as dental implant placement, gum grafts, and scaling and root planing to help restore and maintain the health of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Tag: Periodontist

What is a periodontist vs. dentist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and other conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth. While dentists focus on the general health and maintenance of teeth, periodontists have additional education and training to handle more complex cases.

Tags: dentist, Periodontist

Who is better for dental implants, oral surgeon or periodontist?

The choice between an oral surgeon and a periodontist for dental implants involves several factors, including case complexity, patient health, and practitioner expertise for surgery and aesthetics (implants). To make an informed decision, consult with both specialists and consider their recommendations along with personal preferences. I also recommend you review their online case studies and reviews. Crucially, ensure the chosen practitioner is licensed and experienced in dental implant procedures.

Tags: oral surgeon, Periodontist