Autologous Blood Concentrates (PRF/PRP)
— Your Body’s Natural Way to Heal —
At Parkside Dental, we prioritize harnessing the body’s innate ability to heal using the latest advancements in regenerative medicine, including Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). These therapies allow us to enhance recovery after dental procedures by using your own blood to stimulate natural healing processes.
What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrate made from a patient’s own blood, which is drawn and placed in a centrifuge to separate platelets from other components. This process results in a dense concentration of platelets containing growth factors that naturally promote healing. These growth factors activate the body’s response to injuries, making PRP a powerful tool in surgical healing and tissue regeneration.
Since PRP is derived from your own blood, it significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions, infections, or bodily rejection, providing a natural, safe solution for post-operative care.
History of PRP
PRP gained widespread attention in 2010 when golfer Tiger Woods publicized its role in his rapid recovery from a torn ACL. However, the medical field, especially dentistry, had been familiar with PRP’s healing benefits for over a decade prior. In the mid-1990s, oral surgeons Dr. Arun Garg and Dr. Robert Marx recognized PRP’s potential in helping oral cancer patients heal faster after major reconstructive surgeries. Their pioneering work opened the door for PRP to become a vital part of modern regenerative medicine.
How is PRP Obtained?
PRP therapy is a quick and efficient procedure that takes less than an hour. Blood is drawn from the patient and processed in a centrifuge for approximately 15 minutes. This process isolates the platelet-rich plasma, which can then be applied to surgical sites to accelerate healing.
Benefits of PRP
PRP provides a wide range of benefits, making it a popular choice for enhancing recovery and improving patient outcomes:
- Enhances bone formation: Ideal for use in bone grafting and implant procedures.
- Increases bone density: Particularly around dental implants, promoting longevity and stability.
- Accelerates bonding: PRP helps bond bone grafts to the patient’s own bone.
- Speeds up healing: Faster recovery times for surgical incisions and wounds.
- Reduces infection risk: White blood cells in PRP inhibit bacterial growth.
- Stimulates tissue regeneration: PRP encourages collagen formation, aiding in soft tissue repair.
- Eases pain and inflammation: Growth factors in PRP help reduce post-operative discomfort.
- Decreases recovery time: Patients typically experience faster healing, allowing them to return to normal activities sooner.
PRF and PRP in Dental Applications
At Parkside Dental, we often use PRP and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in the following procedures to optimize healing and patient comfort:
- Wisdom Tooth Extractions: PRF can be placed in the extraction sockets to reduce the risk of complications like alveolar osteitis (dry socket). Studies show that using PRP gel in extraction sites reduces the incidence of dry socket by promoting faster healing and inhibiting bacterial growth.
- Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts: PRP/PRF enhances the body’s natural healing mechanisms, guiding proper bone and tissue regeneration.
- Implantology: PRP aids in bone regeneration and tissue healing around dental implants, improving long-term success rates.
- Periodontal Surgery: PRF helps regenerate lost bone and tissue, crucial for patients with advanced periodontal disease.
PRF demonstrated a reduction of 95% of localized osteitis in 3rd molars extraction sites
Borie E, Oliví DG, Orsi IA, Garlet K, Weber B, Beltrán V, Fuentes R. Platelet-rich fibrin application in dentistry: a literature review. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2015 May 15;8(5):7922-9. PMID: 26221349; PMCID: PMC4509294.
Why Choose PRP?
PRP is a cutting-edge, all-natural solution for patients seeking faster, safer healing. Whether you’re undergoing dental surgery, bone grafting, or extractions, PRP is an excellent option to consider for enhanced recovery. Since it’s derived from your own blood, there’s virtually no risk of rejection or allergic reactions, making it one of the safest regenerative therapies available today.
Additional Uses of PRP
outside of Parkside Dental
Beyond dentistry, PRP is widely used in various medical fields for its regenerative properties. Some of the notable applications include:
- Cosmetic Surgery & Facial Rejuvenation (Vampire Facials): In cosmetic medicine, PRP has gained popularity through a procedure known as the “Vampire Facial.” This treatment involves applying PRP to the face after micro-needling or laser treatments to stimulate collagen production and promote healing. The growth factors in PRP help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, giving the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance. The name “Vampire Facial” comes from the fact that the PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, and it’s used to regenerate and rejuvenate the skin. Celebrities have famously endorsed this treatment, leading to its widespread popularity.
- Hair Replacement: PRP promotes hair growth by nourishing follicles, making it a popular treatment for those experiencing hair thinning or loss.
- Muscle and Joint Injuries: Athletes and individuals recovering from injuries benefit from PRP’s ability to speed up healing by regenerating tissues and reducing inflammation.
- Spinal Conditions & Arthritis: PRP helps reduce inflammation and promotes tissue repair in cases of joint degeneration or spinal issues, providing relief for conditions like arthritis.
- Wound Healing: PRP accelerates wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing scarring, making it ideal for post-surgical recovery.