What Is PRF Therapy?
Platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, is a concentrated substance derived from a small sample of your own blood drawn at the start of your appointment. We place the sample in a centrifuge, which spins it to separate components and concentrate platelets and growth factors. What results is a soft membrane or clot that Dr. Jeff Johnston places directly into extraction sites, around implants, or into surgical areas to support tissue repair. Because PRF comes entirely from your own blood, there are no donor materials, no synthetic additives, and minimal risk of rejection or allergic reaction. It works by acting as a scaffold at the surgical site, signaling the body to begin organized tissue formation immediately.
How PRF Therapy in Denver Supports Your Recovery
PRF is not a standalone treatment. We use it in combination with other dental procedures to improve how the site heals afterward. Common applications include tooth extractions, socket preservation, implant placement, and certain gum procedures. The growth factors concentrated in PRF promote blood vessel formation and cell migration into the treated area, which helps tissue form organized and reduces the risk of complications.
For patients near Cherry Creek who need to return to work or daily routines quickly, the practical benefit is a shorter, more comfortable recovery window. That means less downtime and fewer follow-up concerns.
Five Key Benefits of PRF
- Speeds soft-tissue healing by delivering concentrated growth factors directly to the surgical site
- Reduces postoperative pain and inflammation in the days following a procedure
- Improves bone and gum tissue integration, particularly around dental implants
- Eliminates the need for donor materials since the source is entirely your own blood
- Supports more stable, organized tissue formation that lowers the risk of healing complications
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your visit starts with a brief review of your dental and medical history to confirm PRF is appropriate for your procedure. If it is, we draw a small blood sample at the beginning of your appointment. The sample goes into the centrifuge while you wait, which takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Once it is ready, we proceed with your dental procedure and place the PRF at the appropriate site before you leave.
We walk you through every step before it happens, so nothing feels rushed or unclear. If you want to get familiar with our team before your first visit, you can meet us here or get directions to our office in advance.
How PRF Fits With Other Care at Ascent Dental
PRF works well alongside a range of dental services. We often incorporate it into restorative procedures such as implant placement, where tissue integration directly affects long-term outcomes. Patients who feel anxious about surgical procedures can also combine PRF appointments with sedation dentistry for a more relaxed experience. If you are curious about our broader approach to care, our holistic dentistry page explains how we approach whole-body health in the context of dental treatment.
Patients interested in managing the cost of ongoing care can ask about our dental savings plan when they call or come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PRF, and how does it support natural healing?
PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin. It is made from a small sample of your own blood, processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors your body uses to repair tissue. When placed at a surgical site, it acts as both a protective layer and a biological signal that promotes blood vessel growth and organized cellular activity. The result is tissue that forms more efficiently and with fewer complications than it might without that support.
Is PRF safe, and how is it used in dental procedures?
Yes. Because PRF is derived entirely from your own blood, it carries a very low risk of rejection or allergic reaction. We use it in extraction sites, during implant placement, for ridge preservation, and in soft-tissue procedures. Our team prepares and places PRF using sterile technique and current clinical protocols.
Does PRF add time to my appointment?
The blood draw and centrifuge processing add roughly 10 to 20 minutes. We factor that into your appointment time so the rest of the procedure runs on schedule.
Does insurance cover PRF therapy?
Coverage varies by plan. When you contact us to schedule, we can help you review your benefits and walk you through your options.
Book Your Appointment at Ascent Dental
If you are looking into PRF therapy in Denver and want to talk through whether it makes sense for your upcoming procedure, we are glad to help. Reach out through our contact page to schedule a visit or ask questions before you come in. Our office serves patients across Denver and the Cherry Creek area, and we are here to make the process straightforward from the first call to the final follow-up.