What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Have you heard of platelet-rich plasma in Nashville? PRP injections are popular for helping expedite healing caused by injuries.  

The treatment involves extracting platelets from your blood. Over the years, the uses of PRP have grown tremendously outside sports medicine. Today, it is used to treat hair loss, target signs of aging like wrinkles and promote new bone growth for patients needing dental implants.

Man after getting platelet-rich plasma in nashville

Everything You Need to Know About Platelet-Rich Plasma

Understanding Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated solution of platelets and growth factors drawn from a patient's blood. It is commonly used in medical procedures for tissue healing and regeneration, such as in orthopedics for sports injuries and joint pain, as well as in dermatology for skin rejuvenation and hair loss.  

PRP is believed to expedite the healing process by delivering growth factors directly to the site of injury, promoting the growth of new tissue and blood vessels. The treatment involves drawing a patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then re-injecting it into the affected area.

PRP and Dental Implants

Defining Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that involves surgically inserting metal, screw-shaped rods into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Attached to these metal posts are connectors and artificial crowns. The procedure offers more advantages in terms of longevity, durability, functionality, and stability than traditional dentures.  

However, you must have a healthy jawbone to qualify for dental implant surgery. Having a healthy jawbone is a prerequisite to ensure short-term and long-term success.

How PRP Can Help in Dental Implant Surgery

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an extract of plasma that contains a high concentration of platelets and may be beneficial for wound healing and tissue regeneration. As an adjunctive treatment for dental implant surgery, PRP can enhance the healing of the soft tissues and bone surrounding the implant. By stimulating bone formation and promoting bone cell attachment to the implant surface, PRP may help make dental implants stronger and more stable.

The following procedures can be performed with PRP:

If you didn’t pass the eligibility criteria because of insufficient jawbone density, you might still get dental implants through bone grafting, sinus lift, or ridge expansion.  

  • Bone Grafting – The procedure involves adding bone to your jaw. You can obtain bone from several sources, but the preferred choice is to have it extracted from your bone, usually from your chin or lower jaw area.
  • Sinus Lift – A sinus lift procedure aims to increase the height of your upper jaw by adding bone to your maxillary sinus. Maxillary sinuses are located on both sides of your nose above the back of your teeth. It’s typically recommended for people who do not have enough bone in the back part of their upper jaw.  
  • Ridge Expansion – This type of bone graft is done when your jaw is not wide enough to support dental implants. Usually, oral surgeons place the implants immediately after the procedure. Others usually wait until the ridge has healed, which could take months.  
Woman after getting platelet-rich plasma in nashville

Do You Have More Questions About Platelet-Rich Plasma in Nashville?

Several scientific studies back PRP, but if you have more questions, we’d be happy to answer them. At Nashville Dental Implants, we offer a wide range of dental treatments, including PRP therapy and dental implant placement. We have years of experience in the industry to provide you with the best care. Contact us for an appointment!