Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in Loudoun County, Virginia

Advanced Regenerative Healing by Board-Certified Oral Surgeons

At Davary & Smith Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we use platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as part of our commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered surgical care. Dr. Ashkan Davary is a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon trained in both medicine and dentistry and board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Dr. Christopher Smith is a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon whose advanced training spans both medicine and dentistry. Together, their expertise allows Davary & Smith to integrate regenerative techniques like PRF with precision, offering patients throughout Loudoun County and Northern Virginia improved outcomes following oral surgery.

What Is Platelet-Rich Fibrin?

Platelet-rich fibrin is a regenerative material derived entirely from a patient's own blood. A small sample, typically 20 to 50 cc drawn through the patient's IV during an outpatient procedure, is placed in a centrifuge that separates and concentrates the platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors into a fibrin-rich matrix.

This matrix is then applied directly to the surgical site, where it acts as a biologic scaffold. Because it is created from the patient's own blood, PRF is fully biocompatible, carrying no risk of disease transmission or allergic reaction.

How PRF Supports Healing: The Clinical Mechanism

PRF works by delivering a concentrated dose of growth factors directly to the wound site. These include:

• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
• Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β)
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor (ILGF)
• Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP)

These growth factors signal stem cells to regenerate new tissue, accelerating the body's natural repair process. BMP in particular has been shown in clinical research to stimulate new bone formation, which is especially significant for patients undergoing dental implant procedures. By incorporating PRF with bone substitute materials at the implant site, our surgeons are able to promote more predictable and efficient bone regeneration.

Unlike platelet-rich plasma (PRP), PRF contains a fibrin matrix that releases growth factors gradually over time, providing a sustained healing effect rather than a single-dose release.

Clinical Applications of PRF at Davary & Smith

Dr. Davary and Dr. Smith may recommend PRF in combination with a range of oral surgery procedures, including:

• Dental implant placement — to support osseointegration and accelerate bone formation around the implant
• Bone grafting procedures — including ridge augmentation and palate defect repair
• Sinus lift procedures — to enhance bone volume in the upper jaw prior to implant placement
• Tooth extraction sites — particularly where bone loss or slow healing is a concern
• Repair of bone defects or fistulas — including defects caused by cyst removal or connections between the sinus cavity and mouth

Not every case requires PRF. During your consultation, Dr. Davary or Dr. Smith will evaluate your specific anatomy, healing factors, and treatment goals to determine whether PRF is appropriate for your procedure.

Why PRF: Key Clinical Advantages

Safety. PRF is derived from the patient's own blood, so disease transmission is not a concern. It is processed chair-side during your procedure using a dedicated centrifuge.

Faster healing. The concentrated growth factors create a supersaturated healing environment that accelerates tissue regeneration and reduces recovery time.

Improved bone outcomes. When used with bone graft materials, PRF improves the gel-like consistency of the graft for easier placement and has been shown to increase the final volume of bone formed.

No hospital required. The entire process takes under 15 minutes and is performed in our Sterling, Virginia office during your outpatient procedure, adding no additional appointments or visits.

Cost-effectiveness. Because PRF is generated from a small blood draw in the office setting, patients avoid the expense of hospital-based platelet harvesting.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRF

Is PRF safe?

‍Yes. PRF is created entirely from your own blood, making it biocompatible with no risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission. The blood draw is performed through your IV at the time of surgery, and the PRF is ready in under 15 minutes.

How is PRF different from PRP?

Both are blood-derived biologic therapies. PRF contains a fibrin matrix that allows growth factors to be released gradually over time, providing a more sustained healing effect. PRP delivers growth factors in a single, faster release.

Is PRF used in every bone grafting case?

Not always. In straightforward cases, PRF may not be necessary. In most cases involving grafting, however, PRF has been shown to increase the final amount of bone formed and to accelerate healing, making it a valuable tool our surgeons routinely evaluate for each patient.

Does insurance cover PRF?

‍PRF is typically not covered by dental insurance. The cost of PRF application is approximately $450 and is paid directly by the patient. Our team will provide a clear breakdown of any costs during your consultation so there are no surprises.

Who is not a candidate for PRF?

Patients with bleeding disorders or certain hematologic conditions may not be candidates for PRF. Your surgeon will review your medical history during your consultation to determine whether PRF is appropriate for you.

Can PRF be used on its own to grow bone?

No. PRF must be used in combination with a grafting material, whether the patient's own harvested bone, demineralized freeze-dried bone, or a synthetic bone substitute. It enhances and accelerates the graft, but does not replace it.

About Dr. Davary and Dr. Smith

Dr. Ashkan Davary completed dual medical and dental degree training in oral and maxillofacial surgery and is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Dr. Christopher Smith is a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon with advanced training in both medicine and dentistry. Together, they bring a combined depth of surgical expertise to every procedure performed at the practice. Patients across Loudoun County, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, and Northern Virginia trust their care to Davary & Smith because of the practice's commitment to surgical precision, advanced technology, and patient safety.

Schedule a Consultation in Loudoun County

If you are planning an oral surgery procedure and would like to learn more about platelet-rich fibrin or other advanced healing options, the team at Davary & Smith Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is ready to help. Call (703) 493-1727 or request an appointment online.

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