Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment
Allentown, PA
 The human body is impressive. Immediately following an injury, it goes right to work healing and repairing itself. This is true for an injury or a surgical wound. After undergoing a surgical procedure, including an oral surgical procedure, it is important that you heal quickly and properly to avoid complications such as infections. At Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we can help to expedite the healing process with platelet-rich plasma.
What Are Platelets?
Platelets are tiny cells found within your blood. They reside in the plasma, a natural byproduct. Platelets are responsible for healing. When you are wounded, platelets travel to the site and help to form a clot to stop the bleeding. Platelets also contain growth factors, which help to stimulate the growth of new cells and tissues.
What Exactly Is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma, abbreviated as PRP, is a natural product that we make from a small sample of your blood. We use this technique to help expedite the healing process, which also aids in lowering your risk for developing an infection or facing other complications. We can achieve this by concentrating the platelets in a sample of your blood. With PRP, we can add more platelets to a surgical wound to help aid in the healing process.
Creating Platelet Rich Plasma
Creating PRP is a fairly simple procedure. It does not require any additional appointments or time. We take a small sample of your blood during your appointment before we begin your procedure. We only need about 2 ounces. The sample is then spun in a centrifuge, which is located right in our office. The centrifuge spins at a rapid speed, separating the plasma from the red blood cells. We then remove the plasma and spin it a second time. During this turn, the platelets are concentrated, creating the PRP. As soon as your procedure is completed, a thick layer of PRP is applied directly over the surgical wounds to begin the healing process.
Uses for Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP has many uses in the dental field. Common uses include:| • |
Following gum grafting.
|
| • |
Helping to repair fistulas.
|
| • |
Following bone grafting. This includes bone grafts for dental implants, sinus grafting, or grafts for repairing a cleft lip or cleft palate.
|
| • |
Repairing bone after a cyst removal or during reconstructive surgery. |
Platelet Rich Plasma Benefits
PRP provides numerous benefits, including:| • |
Convenience. Because we only need a small sample of blood and can draw that sample during your appointment, you do not need to worry about additional appointments.
|
| • |
Affordability. You do not need to go to a hospital for the blood draw, and there is no need to worry about lab preparations.
|
| • |
You can heal faster after a surgical procedure. A higher concentration of platelets means more growth factors, which helps to speed up healing.
|
| • |
Your risk of infection is reduced. With faster healing, your surgical wounds close faster, lowering the chances for bacteria to enter. Also, PRP acts like a natural bandage, sealing out bacteria and protecting the surgical wounds.
|
| • |
PRP is completely safe. It uses your blood, so there is no risk of disease transmission or other issues. |
With platelet-rich plasma, we can help speed up the healing process following oral surgery, reducing your risk for post-surgical complications. For more information, call Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at (610) 435-6161 today. |
