When patients hear that we use their own blood as part of implant surgery, the first reaction is usually curiosity — followed quickly by “wait, that actually helps?” It does. The technique is called CGF, short for Concentrated Growth Factors, and it’s one of the most practical pieces of technology we use at ID Dental Implant Center in Koreatown. Here’s how it works, why we use it, and what it means for your recovery after dental implant surgery.
What Are Concentrated Growth Factors?
Your blood already carries the biological signals your body uses to repair itself. Platelets and plasma contain proteins called growth factors — the messengers that tell your body to build new blood vessels, form new tissue, and knit bone back together after an injury or a surgical procedure.
CGF therapy simply concentrates those natural repair signals. We draw a small sample of your blood — about the same as a routine lab test — and spin it in a specialized centrifuge that alternates its speed in a precise sequence. That process separates the sample into layers and produces a dense, gel-like fibrin matrix packed with concentrated growth factors and healing cells.
The result is a completely natural material, made from nothing but your own blood, that Dr. Nam can place directly at the surgical site.
How CGF Is Used During Implant Surgery
During implant placement, a titanium post is set into the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the surrounding bone — a process called osseointegration. The quality of healing around the implant in those first weeks and months matters enormously to the long-term result.
This is where CGF fits in. After preparing the implant site, Dr. Nam applies the CGF membrane or gel directly to the surgical area. The concentrated growth factors support the body’s natural healing response right where it’s needed most — around the implant and the soft tissue covering it.
CGF is especially useful in oral surgery procedures that involve bone grafting. When grafting material is placed to rebuild lost bone, CGF can be mixed with the graft to help it integrate with your existing bone. For patients who need grafting before implants — or as part of a full-arch treatment like All-on-4 — that support can make a meaningful difference in how smoothly treatment progresses.
Why Patients Appreciate CGF
The appeal of CGF comes down to one idea: it works with your biology instead of adding something foreign to it. Because the material comes entirely from your own blood, there’s nothing synthetic to react to and no donor tissue involved.
What the Process Feels Like as a Patient
From your side of the chair, CGF adds almost nothing to the experience. On the day of your procedure, a team member draws a small blood sample from your arm — the same quick pinch you’d feel at an annual physical. The sample goes straight into our CGF centrifuge, and while it spins, Dr. Nam proceeds with your surgery as planned.
By the time the surgical site is ready, the CGF is ready too. It’s applied directly during the procedure, so there are no extra appointments, no separate recovery steps, and nothing additional for you to manage at home. Your aftercare instructions stay the same; your body simply gets a concentrated head start on healing.
Part of a Bigger Technology Picture
CGF is one piece of how we approach implant care at ID Dental Implant Center. Before surgery, CBCT 3D imaging lets Dr. Nam map your bone, nerves, and sinuses so every implant is planned digitally rather than by guesswork. A 3D intraoral scanner replaces uncomfortable impression trays, and our Fastmill system can produce same-day crowns in the office. You can read more about the full toolkit on our technology page.
Dr. Edward Nam, DDS — a USC dental school graduate certified through Harvard’s implant program, with over 12 years of experience — uses these tools together so that each stage of treatment, from planning to placement to healing, supports the next.
Is CGF Right for Your Treatment?
Whether CGF is part of your treatment plan depends on your individual case — your bone condition, the number of implants you need, whether grafting is involved, and the overall approach Dr. Nam recommends after your exam. The same is true of cost: implant treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, so a consultation and examination are required for an accurate estimate. We offer CareCredit and Proceed Finance financing options, and our team verifies your insurance benefits for free.
If you’re considering implants and want to know how CGF and our other technology would apply to your case, schedule a free consultation at our Koreatown Los Angeles office. Korean and English spoken.