Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a by-product of blood (plasma) that is rich in platelets. 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 and the large amount of blood needed to produce a suitable quantity of platelets. New technology permits doctors to harvest and produce a sufficient quantity of platelets from only 55 cc of blood, which is drawn from the patient while they are having outpatient surgery.
Why all the excitement about PRP?
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 growth factors; platelet derived growth factors (PDGF), 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 and sequestered into the wound, the more stem cells are stimulated to produce new tissue. Thus, PRP permits the body to heal faster and more efficiently.
A subfamily of TGF, is bone morphogenic protein (BMP). BMP has been shown to induce the formation of new bone in research studies in both animals and humans. This is of great significance to the surgeon who places dental implants. By adding PRP, and BMP, to the implant site with bone substitute particles, the implant surgeon can now grow bone more predictably and faster than ever before.
PRP Has Many Clinical Applications
PRP can be used to aid bone grafting for dental implants. This includes onlay and inlay grafts, sinus lift procedures, ridge augmentation procedures, closure of cleft and/or lip, and palate defects. It can also assist in repair of bone defects created by removal of teeth, or small cysts and repair of fistulas between the sinus cavity and mouth.
PRP Also Has Many Advantages
- Safety: PRP is a by-product of the patient’s own blood, therefore, disease transmission is not an issue.
- Convenience: PRP can be generated in the doctor’s office while the patient is undergoing an outpatient surgical procedure such as the placement of dental implants.
- Faster healing: The supersaturation of the wound with PRP, and thus growth factors, produces an increase of tissue synthesis and faster tissue regeneration.
- Cost effectiveness: Since PRP harvesting is done with only 55 cc of blood in the doctor’s office, the patient need not incur the expense of the harvesting procedure in hospital or at a blood bank.
- Ease of use: PRP is easy to handle and actually improves the ease of application of bone substitute materials and bone grafting products by making them more gel-like.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP
Is PRP safe? Yes. During the outpatient 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 is formed and ready to use.
Should PRP be used in all bone-grafting cases? Not always. In some cases, there is no need for PRP. However, in the majority of cases, application of PRP to the bone 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 application (approximately $400) is paid by the patient.
Can PRP be used alone to stimulate bone formation? No. PRP 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? 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 is right for you.
Great Oak Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend this practice. 5 stars is inadequate as the entire staff deserves 10 stars!!! Incredibly proficient, professional, and personable. Tina made the financial piece of the process as painless as possible while Dr. Farren made the actual procedure as painless as possible. McKenzie and Hillary in particular made my experience much less intimidating with their wonderful personalities and effortless efficiency. Thank you all!!!!
- Peter R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My dentist sent me to Dr. Farren for a check on whether I needed a biopsy on my tongue or mouth. I had been having pain in my mouth when eating spicy foods and had a few sores in my mouth and tongue and wanted Dr. Farren to take a look. I could not have been happier as he was wonderful. After giving me a complete exam, he reassured and discussed with me his findings and explained what to do for less pain. I would thoroughly recommend him - he took his time, had patience and explained well the problem. His staff were very friendly and professional.
- Marilyn W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had been putting off getting my impacted wisdom teeth (which were sitting on the nerve) out all my whole life due to being deathly afraid of what could happen. This group of amazing people helped me every step of the way. I was immediately at ease. A big thank you to the lovely girl who held my hand and talked me through every step and McKenzie who gave me the most Pain free IV of my life. You are all rockstars and I am thankful for all you did for me. I can’t recommend this group enough.
- Kim M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I tell everyone about this office. 10/10 from the time I had my consult until I got my teeth out.
- Catherine V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This office was by far the easiest office to work with. From the first phone call to the procedure date they all worked as a team to cover all basis. Overall this whole experience was beyond our expectations and we will happily use this experience and share it with others. Thank you PS- Hillary M is AMAZING...
- Morgan/Monica(mom) G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
cant say enough good things about this office, everyone was extremely friendly and accommodating. I have very bad anxiety over dental procedures and the doctor and staff made me feel at ease! would recommend this office to evryone
- Lauren H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience was terrific..........I have white coat phobia, and I was absolutely put at ease.........I would recommend this practice very highly
- Tom M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A mixture of courtesy, compassion, and thoughtfulness. Add in a dash of humor, and you have all the ingredients for a top notch medical team! I am so appreciative of the care and treatment I received here! I will be recommending you to all my Brother's and Sister's who have served in the military. "Salute!" 🇺🇸
- Darryl B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
First I will say that I’m a baby when it comes to going to the dentist. From the minute I walked in I was made to feel very comfortable. The receptionist and the dental assistant couldn’t have been nicer. Dr. Farren was so nice and explained my extraction procedure completely. If you need oral surgery, I definitely recommend this office.
- Eileen
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I truly can not say enough good things about this oral surgery center. I went in with an emergency extraction after dealing with tooth pain for months and they took incredible care of me. Mckenzie got me right in and comforted me while I waited for surgery. She is the first nurse that has ever gotten an IV in me that quickly! And she and Tina kept ice packs coming for me while I waited. Again, it was an emergency so they squeezed me in last minute. Dr. Farren absolutely knows what he is doing and I felt at ease the moment I met him. I had a follow up a couple of weeks ago and I told them that after going to their surgery center, my life got infinitely better! If I called with a question post op, they immediately called me back and were so knowledgeable. I love this place so much and highly recommend them. They are all a class act!
- Taryn M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleasant and professional. Dr. Farren explained the procedure in depth and made sure we were comfortable prior to having the procedure. Norma, Dr. Farren's nurse, was so comforting to my daughter...who was extremely nervous. She took extra care of her and put us both at ease. I highly recommend Great Oak for any oral procedure...the practice is amazing.
- LORI S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Norma is awesome. She's very friendly and caring. Helped me to be and feel comfortable during my procedure. Debbie is always helpful with scheduling and everything else needed. The whole staff is friendly. Dr. Farren is also great. I had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and he called a different one in right away and was very helpful during the after hours call.
- Dawn B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
First time visiting this office. It was a wonderful experience. The friendly atmosphere from the staff just eased any stress I had. And Dr Farren could not be nicer. He has a calming personality and explained the procedure as we went along. Have not had any pain during or after tooth extraction. I highly recommend this office to everyone. Many thanks!
- Geralyn S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If you need oral surgery, you want Dr. Farren and staff. I was in pain when I met them and they were so friendly and efficient that I just knew it was going to be OK. - Dr, Farren extracted my partially impacted and decayed wisdom tooth in as painless and careful a manner as humanly possible. - The after-care instructions are clear and thorough. They even sent me home with a round ice pack that's perfect for the side of my face -See Dr. Farren. I'm glad i did.
- Carolyn B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had the extraction of a molar, bone grafting and an implant. The procedures were done quickly and pain free. In my 65 years, I have never experienced pain free dentistry done this well. This office uses state of the art medical equipment: such as a hand held x-ray gun and a memory foam examination chair. I can't say enough good things. When you are a patient, you feel like you are in some futuristic office.
- Doug M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone from Dr. Farren to the phone and office receptionist to the woman who deals with the insurance company and every single person assisting in any way, we absolutely loved!! We would recommend them highly and feel complete confidence in the whole team and the whole office. We felt like we were their family members!!! My 19 year old daughter had jaw surgery and I had implant surgery and both of us just cant say enough about how we really appreciated EVERYTHING about our experiences.
- Renee M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We couldn't ask for a more comforting and professional group. I had two extractions that were over quickly and healed in no time at all, no complications. I had to bring my mom in for an emergency extraction and we were able to schedule the next day. The entire staff made us feel relaxed and comfortable, especially my mom who suffers anxiety at any medical office. Tina and Deb were both great and took care of all our scheduling and billing needs. The medical staff was equally considerate and comforting. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone, thanks.
- Frank C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Compassionate. Informative. Highly skilled. Easy to be a happy and reassured patient at Great Oak Oral Surgery. You are in great hands with Dr. Ferren and his team. They provide top notch care and make it as easy as possible for their patients every step of the way. As a patient I would highly recommend this practice!
- karen M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I received phenomenal care at Great Oak Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center. All of the people who work there -- the person at the front desk, the staff who did the assessment, the billing and scheduling person, and the dentist -- were extremely kind, professional, compassionate and helpful. I showed up at the office unannounced one mid-afternoon with the right side of my face swollen. They did an assessment within 10 minutes and scheduled me for an extraction for 8:00 AM the next morning. They really went out of their way to make sure that they did what they could to relieve my pain and discomfort and to attend to my dental/medical situation in the most compassionate and timely manner. I would highly recommend this practice to people in need of dental work. The staff at this practice are excellent.
- kevin d
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very pleased with my implant surgery. Dr. and staff made me feel very comfortable. I drove myself to my dentist right after and he made me a temporary tooth. He showed other staff in his office how good my surgery went
- Kathleen M