PRFC: Plasma-Rich in Growth Factors

At the Centre dentaire de haute technologie du Québec, the dentists of the Plateau Mont-Royal are proud to offer their patients advanced dental technologies. These tools are used both for diagnostic purposes and as part of certain treatments. This is the case with PRFC, or plasma rich in growth factors. This technique is used in specific surgeries to promote tissue healing. Here is what you need to know.

What Does This Technique Consist Of?

The PRFC technique is fairly simple to explain. It involves drawing a blood sample to extract the plasma. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood, made up of salts, lipids, and hormones. It helps transport blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. Plasma therefore plays an important role in tissue irrigation, healing, and protecting the body against infections.

Once the plasma is extracted from the patient’s blood, it can be placed directly at the surgical site. It is used either as a membrane or mixed with bone or a bone substitute, in the case of a bone graft.

Here is the procedure for extracting and using PRFC:

• A blood draw is performed to collect a few tubes
• The blood tubes are placed in a centrifuge, which separates the blood cells (red blood cells) from the plasma
• The plasma is transformed into a membrane or mixed with bone or a bone substitute
• This natural “dressing” or graft is then placed on the surgical site
• Over time, the PRFC transforms into mucosal tissue or bone tissue

What Are the Advantages of PRFC?

Using PRFC in dental surgery offers several benefits:

• Faster healing: plasma promotes tissue regeneration after surgery, helping accelerate the healing process
• Reduced postoperative symptoms: by improving tissue irrigation and healing, PRFC helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain
• Lower risk of infection: the risk of postoperative infection is significantly reduced
• Improved bone quality: in bone grafts or implant placement, PRFC promotes better bone regeneration in the jaw, resulting in stronger and higher quality bone
• High biocompatibility: because PRFC comes directly from the patient, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction

For Which Procedures Is PRFC Used?

PRFC is used for certain dental surgeries, including dental implant placement and bone grafts. The goal is to promote jawbone growth and improve bone quality so that implants have enough structure for stable anchoring.

PRFC also helps with soft tissue healing, such as the gums. It can be used for gum grafts, as well as after complex tooth extractions, such as wisdom teeth removal, to reduce inflammation and pain.

Whatever the type of dental surgery, PRFC can be beneficial in promoting treatment success and supporting proper recovery. If your dentist at the Centre dentaire de haute technologie du Québec believes this technique is appropriate for your case, they will explain it in detail during your treatment plan discussion.