The medical advances used at Goochland Dentistry go beyond technology. New procedures to aid in recovery are also a part of what we offer. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been in existence for decades but has recently gained notoriety as a treatment for professional sports stars. PRP’s origins, however, stem from its use in maxillofacial surgery.
PRP treatments aided in the recovery time for facial reconstruction and the healing of soft tissue. It has been used for joint recovery, wound healing, dermatology, and even re-growing hair. Now, in our office, PRP and Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are used to augment healing after tooth removal or when placing dental implants.
The Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Process:
The process is quick and convenient.
The PRP process begins with a simple blood draw in our dental office. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge in order to isolate the platelets from the other blood cells. Once isolated, your own platelets can be re-injected at the point where recovery is needed.
Once injected the high concentration of platelets aid in stimulating the body’s natural recovery response. Healing times for surgical procedures are greatly reduced. PRP also promotes bone growth, leading to a quicker recovery in bone grafts and in osseointegration, the growth of bone around the titanium shaft of a dental implant.
Because the platelets are your own, there are no foreign bodies being introduced that your body might reject. Allergic reactions are also eliminated. The entire process is extremely natural – having been approved by the FDA since 2009.
The platelet-rich plasma recovery process has few side effects and is very safe. Any injection procedure has some risk of infection, nerve or tissue damage, or discomfort at the site of the injury.
Are PRP Treatments Effective?
Research has shown that PRP can speed healing, reduce bleeding and curb pain in recovering from surgeries. There are also no visits to hospitals for our process, making PRP and PRF cost-effective as well. Patients have seen accelerated improvements in the very first week after treatment, but the greatest benefits are typically seen the third week after treatment.
It’s a good idea to stop taking medications that may thin your blood such as ibuprofen before getting your PRP injection, but be sure to consult your physician before discontinuing prescription medications.
Platelet-Rich Plasma vs. Platelet-Rich Fibrin
PRP and PRF are harvested in the same manner. The difference is in the speed at which the centrifuge is spun and the resulting “mix” of blood that is then returned to the area of treatment.
- PRP requires more blood to be taken than PRF.
- PRF contains a higher concentration of platelets, but also some white blood cells and stem cells.
- PRF does not use any anticoagulants.
Both treatments are safe, and both treatments are proven to aid in recovery.
If you are going to have a procedure such as an extraction or dental implant, make sure to ask Dr. Murchie and the team at Goochland Dentistry about platelet-rich plasma treatments. You can also contact our office via phone, email, or schedule an appointment online.
