Platelet Rich Plasma New Iberia
Platelet Rich Fibrin
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF)are exactly what the names suggests. The substance is a by-product of blood (plasma) that is rich in platelets and fibrin rich in leukocytes. 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 10-60 cc of blood drawn from the patient while they are having out-patient surgery.
Why All The Excitement About PRP And L-PRF?
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 sub-family 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, the implant surgeon can now grow bone more predictably and faster than ever before.
L-PRF is a natural fibrin network rich in platelets, growth factors, and cytokines that are drives from blood platelets and leukocytes. These proteins have been reported to produce rapid healing, especially during the critical first seven days after placement. The network promotes more efficient cell migration and proliferation without chemical or bovine additives.
PRP & L-PRF Have 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 created by removal of teeth or small cysts. Repair of fistulas between the sinus cavity and mouth.
PRP And L-PRF Also Have Many Advantages
Safety: PRP and L-PRF are by-products of the patient’s own blood, therefore, disease transmission is not an issue.
Convenience: PRP and L-PRF can be generated in the doctor’s office while the patient is undergoing an out-patient surgical procedure,- such as placement of dental implants.
Faster healing: The supersaturation of the wound with PRP and L-PRF, and thus growth factors, produces an increase of tissue synthesis and thus faster tissue regeneration.
Cost effectiveness: Since PRP and L-PRF harvesting is done with only 10-60 cc of blood in the doctor’s office, the patient need not incur the expense of the harvesting procedure in hospital or at the blood bank.
Ease of use: PRP and L-PRF are easy to handle and actually improve the ease of application of bone substitute materials and bone grafting products by making them more gel-like.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP And L-PRF
Are PRP and L-PRF safe? Yes. During the out-patient 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 15 minutes, the PRP and L-PRF membranes are formed and ready to use.
Should PRP and L-PRF be used in all bone-grafting cases? Not always. In some cases, there is no need for PRP or L-PRF. However, in the majority of cases, application of PRP and/or L-PRF 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 and/or L-PRF application (approximately $500) is paid by the patient.
Can PRP or L-PRF be used alone to stimulate bone formation? No. PRP or L-PRF must be mixed with either the patient’s 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 or L-PRF? 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 or L-PRF is right for you.
Curious About Platelet Rich Plasma?
Dr. Boudreaux can discuss the use of PRP in greater detail during your consultation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!