Platelet-Rich Plasma Aids Healing After Tooth Extractions

The use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) following tooth removal appears to speed healing and bone formation, according to a new study.

Researchers at Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) examined a simple method for obtaining a "Buffy Coat"-PRP (BC-PRP), and its effect on bone healing following the removal of bilateral mandibular third molars. Subtraction digital radiography and computerized tomography (CT) scan analysis were used to track changes in the radiographic density at the PRP treated sites, in comparison to ipsilateral non-PRP treated sites. The patients returned after the operation for evaluations and digital radiographs at 3 days plus weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Observers checked them visually to evaluate the extraction site's tissue opening, bleeding, inflammation, facial edema, and pain.

The results showed that BC-PRP treated sites demonstrated early and significant increased radiographic density over baseline measurements following tooth removal, with the greatest benefit obtained during the initial 2-week postoperative healing period. During weeks 3 though 12, BC-PRP treatment resulted in significant increases in bone density compared to control; it required 6 weeks for control extraction sites to reach comparable bone density that PRP treated sites achieved at week one. Postoperative pain, bleeding, and numbness were not significantly affected by BC-PRP application. The study was published in the 2010 issue of the Journal of Oral Implantology.

"The PRP treatment had a positive effect on bone density immediately following tooth extraction,” said lead author James Rutkowski, D.M.D., Ph.D. "The immediate start of bone formation seen with PRP treatment is of clinical relevance because it is the initial 2 weeks following bone-manipulation oral surgery that are important.”

PRP is a concentrated (by centrifuge) source of autologous platelets, releasing via degranulation at least seven different growth factors that stimulate bone and soft tissue healing. PRP has become an increasingly popular clinical tool as an alternative source of growth factors for several types of medical treatments, including wound healing in surgery, tendonitis, cardiac care, cartilage regeneration, disc regeneration, and dental health. Additional dental applications of PRP include cosmetic periodontal surgery and the immediate restoration of dental implants.

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