Gum recession is a common dental concern that can lead to sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and even tooth instability if left untreated. Traditional gum grafting procedures often involve cutting and stitching, which can be uncomfortable and require extended recovery time. Fortunately, Dr. Loke Weiqiang at Le Dentistry received his US Board Certification and Masters of Science in Periodontics and offers this minimally invasive alternative: The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST).

Minimally Invasive

No cutting, no stitches, and no donor tissue required.

Faster Recovery

Patients experience less discomfort and swelling compared to traditional grafting.

Immediate Results

Noticeable improvement in gum coverage right after the procedure.

Who is a good Candidate?

If you have mild to moderate gum recession and want a gentler, scalpel-free solution, PST may be ideal for you. However, severe cases may still require conventional grafting.

Experience Comfortable Gum Restoration at Le Dentistry

At Le Dentistry, Dr. Loke Weiqiang combines advanced surgical techniques with personalized care to ensure optimal results. If you’re struggling with gum recession and want a less invasive, more comfortable treatment, the Pinhole Surgical Technique could be your best option.

Enhanced Healing with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in Dental Surgery

Since its introduction in 2001, Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) has become a game-changer in periodontics, helping surgical sites heal faster and achieve optimal results.

What is PRF?

PRF is derived from a small sample of the patient’s own blood, making it a completely natural and biocompatible treatment. PRP refers to the autologous plasma derived from a person's own blood, containing a significantly higher concentration of platelets compared to the normal baseline levels (usually 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per cubic microliter). The concentration of platelets in PRP typically ranges from 4 to 7 times the natural concentration.

PRF is a second-generation platelet concentrate that was developed in 2001, to overcome the limitations of PRP. It is obtained without the use of anticoagulants and thereby totally autologous. The resulting product contains cell types (platelets, leukocytes, red cells), an extracellular fibrin matrix, and an array of bioactive molecules (predominately growth factors).

WHY IS PRF SO SPECIAL?

PRF provides not only the clinical advantages of PRP but also features a naturally occurring fibrin scaffold. This scaffold facilitates the formation of clots, acts as a supportive template for tissue regeneration, and maintains the presence of growth factors and stem cells. Growth factor signaling induced by injuries attracts Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) to the affected site, where these cells subsequently undergo differentiation. Surgical procedures and injections mimic local injuries, setting off the same signaling sequence. The application of PRF in conjunction with these treatments localizes and augments the regenerative processes activated by the body's natural response to injury. Platelets are packed with growth factors that accelerate tissue repair, and PRF acts as a biodegradable scaffold, delivering these healing components directly to the surgical site.

How Does PRF Work?

By concentrating the patient’s own platelets and growth factors into a flexible fibrin matrix, PRF enhances the body’s natural healing process—without introducing any foreign materials. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to minimize recovery time after dental or surgical procedures.

How IS PRF OBTAINED?

PRP is obtained by centrifuging the patient's blood before any medical procedure or surgery. To prevent clotting, the drawn blood is mixed with an anticoagulant, commonly citrate, which binds to calcium ions, thereby interrupting the clotting process. This anticoagulated blood remains stable for up to 8 hours. Following this, the next step involves centrifugation to separate the different components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and PRP. Many commercial venipuncture tubes come equipped with gel separators that facilitate the separation process during centrifugation. The resultant plasma with an elevated platelet concentration is considered PRP. However, it's important to note that there's no established correlation between the platelet concentration and its effectiveness. Once prepared, PRP can be used immediately. Depending on the type of collecting venipuncture tubes and systems used, there may or may not be a need for additional activation.

In contrast to PRP, PRF is prepared by centrifuging whole blood without incorporating any additional substances. In the absence of anticoagulants, PRF spontaneously creates a gelatinous clot composed of a fibrin matrix. This clot confines the secretion of growth factors to the site of clotting. During tissue repair, fibroblasts recruited to the area restructure this fibrin matrix and initiate the synthesis of collagen. Consequently, the combined impact of growth factor secretion and fibroblast recruitment in PRF synergistically fosters collagen production and tissue rejuvenation.

Additionally, the gentle low-speed centrifugation employed for PRF tends to maintain the advantageous cellular components within the resulting PRF layer more effectively, while the high-speed centrifugation characteristic of the hard-spin phase in PRP preparation tends to relocate most cells towards the bottom of the container.

Is PRF Right for You?

While PRF can significantly improve healing, its use depends on the type of procedure and individual patient factors. The Ministry of Health has specific guidelines on when PRF can be applied, and certain medical conditions may affect eligibility.

Interested in learning whether PRF can benefit your dental treatment? Contact us today to find out more!

📅 Schedule a consultation today to see if you’re a candidate for this breakthrough procedure!