Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a highly concentrated form of platelets derived from blood. While PRP has been used in hospitals to enhance the body’s natural healing process, recent technological advancements have made it possible to utilize this technique in dental offices.

Platelets play crucial roles in the body, including blood clot formation and the release of growth factors that facilitate wound healing. These growth factors stimulate stem cells to generate new tissue, making PRP highly effective in promoting post-treatment healing.

PRP finds application in various areas of clinical dentistry, such as:

Bone Grafting for Implants: PRP aids in procedures like cleft lip and palate closure, sinus lifts, ridge augmentation, and inlay/onlay grafts.

Bone Repair: It can be utilized in facial trauma reconstruction, repair of defects resulting from tooth extraction, or removal of growths and cysts.

Fistula Repair: PRP helps in repairing fistulas connecting the mouth and sinus cavity.

Reasons for undergoing platelet rich plasma treatment:

PRP treatment is widely adopted to expedite post-procedure healing and is considered safe. Since the blood used is obtained from the patient’s own body, there is no risk of disease transmission. Patients typically experience increased comfort immediately after the procedure. Additional advantages of PRP include:

Lower Infection Risk: The thick application of PRP by the dentist on the wound seals it off from infectious agents, minimizing the risk of complications.

Accelerated Healing: PRP saturates the wound with growth factors, promoting tissue synthesis and faster tissue regeneration. This accelerates healing, reducing the chances of subsequent infections, complications, and discomfort.

Safety and Convenience: Disease transmission is not a concern as the blood is sourced from the patient’s own blood supply. The amount of blood required is minimal and can be collected during a routine outpatient procedure.

What does platelet rich plasma treatment entail?

The dentist will assess your candidacy for PRP treatment, and individuals with blood clotting disorders may not be eligible. During a scheduled outpatient visit, a small sample of your blood (about 2 oz) will be collected. The blood will be processed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma and concentrate the platelets containing growth factors.

After suturing the wound, the dentist will apply the PRP in a high concentration to the surgical area, promoting faster healing and reducing post-surgery discomfort. The dentist will provide aftercare instructions specific to the surgery and may prescribe pain medication if necessary.

If you have any questions about platelet rich plasma treatment or want to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, we encourage you to contact our office and schedule an appointment.

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