You may have heard of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its use in facials at your local day spa. But did you know that it can be used in dentistry, too? Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, involving a surgical procedure to anchor the implant into the jawbone. PRP, an innovative approach in dental implantology, is gaining attention for its potential to improve healing and increase the success rates of dental implants. 

In this article, we’ll give you the inside scoop on PRP and its impressive healing properties.

What is PRP?

PRP is the abbreviation for platelet-rich plasma. It is a sample of blood that is treated to provide a higher level of platelets, cytokines, and growth factors. While the process itself is a bit technical in nature, the result is a concentration of platelets that are up to five times higher than normal blood.

Platelets are tiny blood cells that play an integral role in the healing process. They help form clots to stop bleeding and release growth factors that promote tissue regeneration and repair. PRP is derived from your own blood, making it a natural and biocompatible option for enhancing healing. By using your own platelets, PRP can significantly improve recovery times and the overall success of dental implant procedures. And for dental implants specifically, it means a higher success rate for integration with your jawbone.

The role of PRP in dental implant surgery.

Let’s go a bit deeper into how PRP is used in dental implant surgery. We said that it can help with integration into your jawbone. What we mean by that is PRP can help the healing process by encouraging the growth of new bone and soft tissue. When PRP is applied to the surgical site, the high concentration of growth factors speeds up the body’s natural healing. This not only helps the implant bond better with the jawbone but also reduces recovery time and the risk of problems.

During dental implant procedures, PRP is made by taking a small amount of the patient’s blood, which is then spun in a machine to concentrate the platelets. This concentrated PRP is applied to the implant site before and during surgery. Growth factors are proteins in PRP that help with healing by encouraging cell growth and attracting stem cells to the area. These growth factors help form new blood vessels, produce collagen, and grow new bone and soft tissues.

PRP works well because it helps the body repair itself faster. By adding these concentrated growth factors to the surgical site, PRP helps the implant connect smoothly with the jawbone, creating a strong base for the new tooth and improving the overall success of the dental implant.

Benefits of using PRP with dental implants.

While dental implant surgery can be highly effective and successful in and of itself, PRP simply ups the game. Check out these benefits:

• Accelerated healing and recovery: The dental implant process typically takes five to eight months. That’s why patients love how PRP can significantly speed up the healing process. Studies show that patients receiving PRP can heal up to 50% faster. And that is a huge benefit for people who want to start enjoying their new smile.
• Reduced risk of infection: The use of PRP helps to lower the chances of infection at the implant site. PRP’s growth factors promote faster tissue regeneration. It creates a natural protective barrier against bacteria.
• Improved bone and tissue integration: As we have shared, PRP helps with the successful integration of the dental implant with the jawbone—a process called osseointegration. The growth factors in PRP support the formation of new bone and soft tissue.
• Potential for better long-term outcomes: Using PRP in tooth implant procedures can lead to better long-term results. The faster healing and improved integration mean the teeth implants are more likely to remain strong and functional over time. This means an increased chance of a 100% success rate.

For those considering dental implants in Virginia Beach, incorporating PRP into the procedure can offer a smoother and more successful tooth replacement experience. 

Missing teeth and considering dental implants? Talk to us about PRP treatment.

By far, dental implants offer the most natural-looking, functioning, and feeling tooth replacement option. And with PRP treatment, this restorative dentistry treatment is more successful than ever. Want to learn more? Reach out to us at King Dental to see how we can help you restore your smile with dental implants. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about platelet-rich plasma, too.