Platelet-rich fibrin – A narrative review

Abstract

Platelets play a crucial role in the hemostasis and wound healing process. Platelets synthesize growth factors that activate cells such as fibroblasts, macrophages, and mesenchymal cells which are trapped within the fibrin matrix and promote wound healing. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) contains a human blood protein and it is composed of a tetra molecular structure with cytokines, platelets, and stem cells which act as biodegradable scaffold tissue regenerating cells. PRF is a healing biomaterial with no inflammatory reactions which can be used alone or in combination with bone grafts. This platelet gel has advantages such as promoting wound healing, bone growth and maturation, and hemostasis, and it can also be used as a membrane. PRF membrane can be used in oral, maxillofacial, ear, nose, throat, and plastic surgery. In dentistry, the biggest advantage of PRF as a membrane is that it is both autologous in nature and can be prepared chairside.

Keywords

• dentistry
• platelet-rich fibrin
• wound healing