Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Speed Healing After Surgery?
One of the most promising advances in dental treatments involves the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). As the name suggests, PRP is a byproduct of the patient’s own blood. Numerous studies from the National Institutes of Health have confirmed that PRP reduces bleeding and enhances bone regeneration and soft tissue healing.
Family Dentistry & Prosthodontics dentists are leading practitioners of PRP treatments in and around Merritt Island, FL, and regularly use it to hasten healing after implant placement and bone grafts. Our dentists have prominent affiliations with the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and International Dental Implant Association, among others. If you are preparing to undergo oral surgery, Dr. Wilkhu or Dr. Schmid will gladly explain the many benefits of this leading-edge technique.
What Is PRP?
Blood consists primarily of a liquid known as plasma that contains a multitude of solid components, including platelets. These are commonly known for the role they play in clotting blood. Platelets also contain growth factor proteins that play an important role in the healing of bone and soft tissue. By concentrating the levels of platelets with a centrifuge, a substance called platelet-rich plasma or PRP can be isolated and later used during surgical treatments to enhance healing.
Benefits of PRP
Studies of the effectiveness of PRP use during oral surgery procedures have yielded promising results, according to the National Institutes of Health. Patients who undergo PRP treatment at our Merritt Island dental practice can benefit from:
- Reduced bleeding following oral surgery
- Enhanced soft tissue healing
- Accelerated bone regeneration
- Lower risk of dental implant infections
- A convenient treatment conducted fully at our office
How Is PRP Used during Oral Surgery?
To prepare PRP for use during oral surgery, blood is drawn from a patient at our Merritt Island, FL, dental practice. Then, the platelets are separated from the other components in the blood through the use of a centrifuge. The isolated and concentrated platelets are then mixed with part of the remaining plasma. The resulting PRP can contain five to 10 times the concentration of platelets as natural blood.
PRP can also be injected into areas that require help in healing.
PRP has many applications and is commonly used during or after tooth extractions, periodontal surgery, implant surgery, or bone grafting. PRP can be used in multiple ways depending on the type of surgery that is performed and the unique needs of the patient. During dental implant placement, the technique can be used to coat the implant to improve and hasten healing. It can also be infused into donor bone tissue or grafting material before placement in the jaw. PRP can also be injected into areas that require help in healing.
Work with a PRP Specialist
From the moment your blood is drawn until the final injection is made, Dr. Wilkhu or Dr. Schmid will carefully handle and monitor your PRP treatment. If you have concerns about the cost of treatment, our office accepts CareCredit and many forms of dental insurance. Our staff is also glad to help patients file for reimbursement. If you need to undergo oral surgery and wish to work with a PRP specialist, please contact our office online or call (321) 459-2444.
