Platelet Rich Plasma and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors
Platelets, one of the components of normal blood are responsible for healing and repair. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is exactly as the name suggests. Until recently, its use had been confined to hospital settings primarily due to the cost of separating platelets from whole blood and the large volume of blood required to produce a therapeutic quantity of platelets. New technology permits Dr. Novack to harvest and produce a therapeutic quantity of platelets from only 55 cc of blood. This represents the same amount of blood drawn when you go for your yearly physical.
Why All the Excitement about PRP?
PRP can greatly accelerate the rate of healing by priming your body’s normal pathways for repair. During the healing process, the body marshals many cell-types to the wound site to initiate repair. One of those cell types is platelets. Platelets perform a myriad of functions including blood clot formation and the release of growth factors (GF) into a wound. These growth factors (platelet derived growth factor-PDGF, transforming growth factor beta-TGFβ and insulin-like growth factor ILGF) function to direct and assist the body to repair itself by stimulating stem cells to regenerate new tissue. The more growth factors released into a wound site, the more stem cells stimulated to produce new tissue. Through the acceleration of these pathways of repair, PRP permits the body to heal faster, more efficiently and with less pain.
A subfamily of TGFβ is bone morphogenic protein (BMP). In both animal and human research studies, BMP has been shown to induce the formation of new bone. By adding PRP and thus BMP into the periodontal or implant surgical site along with bone graft particles, Dr. Novack can grow new bone faster and more predictably than ever before.
PRP-Clinical Applications
- Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Bone grafting for dental implants. (Onlay and Inlay grafts):
- Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Sinus lift procedures.
- Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ridge augmentation procedures.
- Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Repair of bone defects created by the removal of teeth or cysts.
- Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Improved periodontal bone regeneration.
PRP Has Many Advantages
Safety: As PRP is a drawn from your own blood, there can be no issues with its use.
Convenience: PRP can be generated in Dr. Novack’s clinic while you are undergoing the planned procedure.
Faster healing: The supersaturation of the surgical site with PRP and its growth factors stimulates tissue synthesis thereby promoting faster healing and repair.
Cost effectiveness: As PRP is prepared at Dr. Novack’s clinic there are significant savings in cost and time you would otherwise incur at a private specialized blood bank facility. In addition, this eliminates the requirement thereafter to have the PRP transported to our clinic.
Ease of use: PRP facilitates the application of bone graft products.
Frequently asked questions about PRP
Is PRP safe?
Absolutely. Only a small volume of your own blood is drawn similar to that taken during a routine physical. Your blood is then placed in a specialized PRP centrifuge and spun down to separate the various blood elements. In approximately 15 minutes, the PRP ready for use.
Should PRP be used in all bone-grafting cases?
Not always. In certain cases, there is no need for PRP. In the majority of cases however, the application of PRP to a bone graft can increase the quality and quantity of new bone while inducing the surgical site to heal faster. This translates into faster recovery and reduced pain.
Will my insurance cover the costs?
Dr. Novack will only recommend those procedures that provide our patients with meaningful benefits. There exist a myriad of insurance policies. We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure you receive the full benefits allocated by your plan.
Can PRP be used alone to stimulate bone formation?
No. PRP must be combined with either your own bone, donor bone or a synthetic bone graft product.
Are there any contraindications to PRP?
Few if any! The sole exception is for those patients with bleeding disorders or hematologic diseases which would disqualify patients from undergoing any surgical procedure. Dr. Novack will consult with your physician to determine the treatment approach right for you.
Want To Learn More About PRP?
Our caring staff is here to help you if you have any questions!