Enhancement of post‐operative healing using platelet rich plasma (PRP)

Abstract

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), when applied to an oral surgical site, enhances bone and soft tissue healing. In a retrospective study of 902 mandibular molar extractions, with or without PRP, there was a significantly lower incidence of alveolar osteitis (AO). PRP diminished the incidence of AO for other related factors such as tooth position, tooth number, gender, birth control medications and smoking. The project also includes a prospective clinical study of the bilateral removal of mandibular third molars. One side received the PRP treatment with a gelatin medium, and the contra-lateral side received the gelatin medium only. Both patients and clinical evaluators were blinded. Post-operative pain, gingival and bone tissue healing were evaluated. PRP treatment did not alter pain perception, but PRP-treated sites had improved soft tissue healing with less post-operative bleeding and edema. Bone healing was evaluated with digital radiography and CAT scan analysis over a 6 month period. PRP treatment improved the rate and degree of bone formation versus contra lateral control sites. PRP use may also be beneficial in other oral surgical procedures.