Platelet Rich Plasma & Bone Morphogenic Protein
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a by-product of blood (plasma) that is rich in platelets (cells that help the blood clot). Until recently, it has only been used in hospitals. The cost and large amount of blood associated with separating out the platelets from the blood made it impossible to accomplish anywhere else. Due to new technology, Dr. Carter is now able to cost-effectively harvest and produce the necessary platelets with a small blood draw during outpatient surgery.
Why is PRP Important?
PRP allows the body to maximize and accelerate the natural healing process. Typically, the body sends many different types of cells to the wound to begin healing. Platelets are one of those types of cells. Platelets are involved in a number of healing functions including forming blood clots and releasing growth factors (GF) at the wounded site.
Growth Factors (GF) stimulate stem cells to generate new tissue in order to repair the body. As the quantity of GF at the wound increase, so does the number of stem cells activated to produce new tissue. Therefore, it is clear that using PRP helps the body heal more quickly and efficiently.
Bone Morphogenic Protein & Bone Grafting for Implants
One of the growth factors contained in PRP is Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP). We use BMP to help induce the formation of new bone. This is critical to placing dental implants. By using PRP, and therefore BMP, at the site along with bone grafting material, Dr. Carter can increase the speed and predictability of growing new bone.
Clinical Uses for PRP
- Bone grafting, such as sinus lifts or ridge expansion.
- The removal of teeth, cysts or tumors.
- Repairing fistulas (holes, or tunnels) between the mouth and sinus cavity.
Advantages of PRP
It is safe.
Because it is gathered from the patient’s own blood, disease transmission is not a concern.It is convenient.
It can be gathered at the doctor’s office while the patient undergoes their procedure.It promotes faster healing.
By supersaturating the wound with PRP, tissue synthesis and regeneration increase.It is cost-effective.
Only 55cc (about 3.4 table spoons) of blood need to be gathered, and it can be done in the doctor’s office. Therefore, the patient does not accumulate the expense of having this procedure done at the hospital or blood bank.It is easy to use.
PRP makes bone substitute materials and bone grafting products more gel like, thus making them more easy to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is PRP made?
PRP is made during your outpatient surgical procedure. A small amount of your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge machine in order to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. The process takes approximately 15 minutes.Do I need PRP for my procedure?
Sometimes there is no need for PRP. Dr. Carter will discuss your treatment options with you, including whether or not you would benefit from the use of PRP.Will my insurance cover the cost of PRP?
PRP is not typically covered by insurance. However, many find it cost efficient based on the benefits that treatment with PRP provides.Can everyone use PRP?
A small percentage of people with specific types of bleeding disorders and/or allergies may be ineligible for the procedure. Dr. Carter will discuss if PRP is right for you.
