Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is exactly what its name suggests. The substance is a by-product of blood (plasma) that is rich in platelets. Until now, its use has been confined to the hospital setting. This was due mainly to the cost of separating the platelets from the blood (thousands) and the large amount of blood needed (one unit) to produce a suitable quantity of platelets. New technology permits the doctor to harvest and produce a sufficient quantity of platelets from only 20 cc of blood drawn from the patient while they are having outpatient surgery.
Why all the excitement about PRP?
PRP permits the body to take advantage of the normal healing pathways at a greatly accelerated rate. During the healing process, the body rushes many cells and cell-types to the wound in order to initiate the healing process. One of those cell types is platelets. Platelets perform many functions, including formation of a blood clot and release of growth factors (GF) into the wound. These GF (platelet derived growth factors PGDF, transforming growth factor beta TGF, and insulin-like growth factor ILGF) function to assist the body in repairing itself by stimulating stem cells to regenerate new tissue. The more growth factors released sequestered into the wound, the more stem cells stimulated to produce new host tissue. Thus, one can easily see that PRP permits the body to heal faster and more efficiently.
A subfamily of TGF, is bone morphogenic protein (BMP). BMP has been shown to induce the formation of new bone in research studies in animals and humans. This is of great significance to the surgeon who places dental implants. By adding PRP, and thus BMP, to the implant site with bone substitute particles, Implant surgeon Dr. Luna can now grow bone more predictably and faster than ever before.
PRP has many clinical applications:
- Bone grafting for dental implants. This includes onlay and inlay grafts, sinus lift procedures, ridge augmentation procedures, and closure of cleft, lip and palate defects.
- Repair of bone defects creating by removal of teeth or small cysts.
- Repair of fistulas between the sinus cavity and mouth.
PRP also has many advantages:
- Safety: PRP is a by-product of the patients own blood, therefore, disease transmission is not an issue.
- Convenience: PRP can be generated in the doctors office while the patient is undergoing an outpatient surgical procedure, such as placement of dental implants.
- Faster healing: The supersaturation of the wound with PRP, and thus growth factors, produces an increase of tissue synthesis and thus faster tissue regeneration.
- Cost effectiveness: Since PRP harvesting is done with only 20 cc of blood in the doctors office, the patient need not incur the expense of the harvesting procedure in hospital or at the blood bank.
- Ease of use: PRP is easy to handle and actually improves the ease of application of bone substitute materials and bone grafting products by making them more gel-like.
Frequently asked questions about PRP:
Is PRP safe? Yes. During the outpatient surgical procedure a small amount of your own blood is drawn out via the IV. This blood is then placed in the PRP centrifuge machine and spun down. In less than fifteen minutes, the PRP is formed and ready to use.
Should PRP be used in all bone-grafting cases? Not always. In some cases, there is no need for PRP. However, in the majority of cases, application of PRP to the graft will increase the final amount of bone present in addition to making the wound heal faster and more efficiently.
Will my insurance cover the costs? Unfortunately not. The cost of the PRP application (approximately $400) is paid by the patient.
Can PRP be used alone to stimulate bone formation? No. PRP must be mixed with either the patients own bone, a bone substitute material such as demineralized freeze-dried bone, or a synthetic bone product, such as BIO-OSS.
Are there any contraindications to PRP? Very few. Obviously, patients with bleeding disorders or hematologic diseases do not qualify for this in-office procedure. Check with your surgeon and/or primary care physician to determine if PRP is right for you.
Affiliated Oral Surgeons
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Upon walking in, I was greeted at the front desk, and answered some questions. The staff member advised what to expect and went over post-op instructions. Very friendly. As soon as I sat down in the waiting room, I was called back. I was very anxious about the procedure, and the staff immediately sensed this. Before the procedure, staff nurse talked to me, took my mind off of the procedure, gave me some nitrous oxide for relaxation. The IV staff came in and had trouble finding an acceptable vein, as they attempted the first time, the original staff nurse continued talking to me, asking if I was comfortable, and was doing ok, etc. It was a very light conversation with some humor added. IV staff found an acceptable vein and successfully got in. (I have deep veins and pose a challenge for IV access). Job well done! When I woke up the recovery staff was awesome. Informed me that everything went very well, tooth had not impacted the sinus cavity and Dr. Luna was able to prepare the void for an implant in the near future. I was pretty giddy from the general anesthesia, (sorry), and the staff humored me and answered all of my questions. From the time I entered the front door, to being discharged and was in the car, it was right at an hour. Very efficient, Very Professional. Later that afternoon, about 3 hours after the procedure, a staff nursed called me to see how I was doing. Thank you! Told me to call if I had any questions or complications. Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you awesome providers for a pleasant as possible experience! You all made my experience as best as it could be! I highly recommend.
- Steve R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful staff from start to finish.
- Jennifer S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’ve had tooth extractions before that were very traumatic. I was extremely apprehensive and anxious about another one. The reviews on line led me to request the referral to Dr. Luna’s office. Every step from the initial talk with the receptionist to the consultation to the actual procedure was amazing. Everything was handled in a very professional and genuinely caring manner. During the procedure, they explained everything to my wife about the steps to a successful recovery. I was sore but not in horrible pain. I took the prescribed pain medication only on the day of the procedure and did not feel the need to continue even though it was available. I would not hesitate to return if I ever require more oral surgery and would highly recommend this office. There is only good to say about the experience.
- Mike B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Procedure went well, no problems at all. Everyone so friendly and efficient. Definitely will return if necessary
- William M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very thankful for the caring and helpful staff! They made a stressful situation so much easier! Would highly recommend!
- Laura G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had no problems, and would highly recommend to anyone.
- janice S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have confidence in Dr Luna and his staff, and the care I received. After the treatment I received at another practice, I wasn’t too trusting. I certainly trust this staff
- Douglas W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
In my 75 history years history with teeth removal (wisdom teeth at age 40, tooth extraction at age 50), my opinion of dentists who do this can take a long walk off of a short pier. When my family dentist told me that I needed to see an oral surgeon to remove a back tooth I cringed. I was able to get an appointment with Dr. Luna within a reasonable amount of time and I found his office staff to be friendly and professional. The day of the tooth removal I was more than anxious to say the least, however the staff put me at ease and the next thing I knew I woke up heading for recovery. From my past experience I expected the worst. The worst being missing 6 days of work from wisdom teeth extraction and severe pain from a dry socket that lasted over two weeks. Pain from this tooth extraction has been minimal. After one day of pain medication and two days of tylenol I was pain free. After three days I was able to eat real food. If I ever have to go through this again I would see D. Luna
- Paul B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleased with the office, staff, and Doctor! Would definitely recommend this office for wisdom teeth extraction!
- Stacia B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We were very satisfied with the care we received
- Nicole B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very please with my experience at Dr Luna's office. The office administrators were very cooperative with scheduling my appointments. My wait time was minimal in the waiting room. I was pleased with the procedure performed and I had no discomfort after the procedure was completed. I had several follow up appointments. All went very well. I would highly recommend coming to Dr Luna's if you need to have teeth extracted.
- Mike A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you so much
- Kriston M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Removal went fine and healing was slowed up by a tiny bone chip causing extra pain. I'm sure the healing will improve and pain stop. I had good overall experience. You staff was great.
- Tom B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone very professional and courteous.
- Carol F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
An uneventful, enjoyable experience
- Kevin C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Good
- Laura W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Friendly environment and informative
- Morgan B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall a great experience
- Kali L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Did an amazing job and very friendly
- Lesley T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very pleased with the outcome of my wisdom teeth surgery, felt very comfortable here and during the surgery. Great overall experience.
- Ethan F