Use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the periodontology: A Review

Abstract

Platelets play an essential role in wound healing and periodontal regeneration, so using platelet concentrates can speed up wound healing after periodontal treatment. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), an autogenous concentrated blood product, is a fibrin matrix comprising molecular and cellular elements that allow for optimum improvement and PRF also increases the production of osteoprotegerin, which causes osteoblast proliferation and acts as an osteoconductive and osteoinductive material, initiating bone regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and PRF are platelet concentrates prepared from the patient's own blood. Recent studies have focused on the development of therapeutic alternatives that are simple to prepare, non-toxic or biocompatible to living tissues, and inexpensive, with the potential to result in the local release of growth factors that accelerate hard and soft tissue healing. PRP is a plasma fraction that contains a high concentration of growth factors. PRF is a natural fibrin-based biomaterial derived from an anticoagulant-free blood harvest without any artificial biochemical modification, allowing fibrin membranes enriched with platelets and growth factors to be obtained. It facilitates the application of growth factors to the surgical area in a concentrated form, thereby accelerating wound improvement and regeneration. Platelet concentrates are used in many areas of dentistry, including soft tissue improvement, plastic periodontal surgery, gingival enlargement, ridge preservation, regeneration of bone defects, drug-related osteonecrosis of the jawbone, sinus augmentation, immediate implant placement, and implant osseointegration. Their use is preferred due to their ease of application and low cost. This paper reviews the current literature concerning the utilization of platelet-rich fibrin in periodontology.   How to cite this article: Sağsöz A, Acun Kaya F. Use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in periodontology: A review. J Med Dent Invest 2023;4:e230317. https://doi.org/10.5577/jomdi.e230317   Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.