What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses a concentrated preparation of your own blood platelets, applied at the treatment site after procedures such as extractions, bone grafts, and implant placement. The goal of PRP is to support the body’s healing process. Your dentist will discuss whether PRP is appropriate for your procedure.
PRP preparation is performed in our office using a small sample of your own blood. Because PRP is derived from your own platelets, no synthetic materials or donor products are involved. Your dentist will explain the process and any considerations before treatment.
- Uses your own blood — no synthetic materials
- Applied at the treatment site during or after the procedure
- Intended to support the body’s natural healing response
- Prepared in our office during your appointment
- Because it uses your own platelets, allergy risk is low
The PRP Process
PRP preparation is quick and straightforward, adding minimal time to your procedure:
- A small blood sample is drawn from your arm at the beginning of your appointment.
- The blood is placed in a centrifuge that separates and concentrates the platelets and growth factors.
- The concentrated PRP is applied directly to the surgical site during your procedure.
- The growth factors go to work immediately, promoting faster tissue regeneration and healing.
When Is PRP Used in Dentistry?
PRP therapy is most commonly used alongside procedures where enhanced healing makes a significant difference in outcomes. These include tooth extractions (especially wisdom teeth), bone grafting to prepare for dental implants, dental implant placement, gum grafting for recession, and other oral surgeries.
Your dentist will recommend PRP when it can meaningfully improve your healing experience and treatment outcome. It is not needed for every procedure, but when indicated, it can make a noticeable difference in recovery speed and comfort.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
PRP offers several advantages when used alongside dental procedures:
Faster Healing
Concentrated growth factors accelerate your body natural recovery process.
Reduced Discomfort
Patients often report less swelling and pain after procedures with PRP.
Better Outcomes
Improved tissue regeneration can lead to stronger bone grafts and healthier healing.
PRP Therapy Cost
PRP is an adjunctive therapy, meaning it is used alongside another procedure. The additional cost depends on the procedure it accompanies and the amount of PRP prepared. Coverage varies by insurance plan, and our team will provide clear cost information during your consultation.
If you are interested in adding PRP therapy to a planned procedure, call 513-755-2118 to discuss whether it is appropriate for your treatment at West Chester Family Dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Therapy
A small sample of your blood is drawn at the start of your appointment and processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. The PRP is then applied directly to the treatment site during your procedure.
Yes. Since PRP uses your own blood, there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission. The preparation process is performed using sterile techniques in our office.
The blood draw involves a standard needle stick, similar to a routine blood test. The PRP is applied during your procedure while you are already under anesthesia, so there is no additional discomfort from the PRP itself.
PRP is commonly used with tooth extractions, bone grafting, dental implant placement, and gum grafting. It can also support healing after other oral surgeries where tissue regeneration is important.
Healing time varies by patient and procedure. Because PRP uses your own concentrated platelets, it is intended to support the body’s natural healing process. Your dentist will explain what role PRP may play in your specific treatment.
Coverage varies by plan. PRP is sometimes considered an adjunctive therapy, so it may or may not be covered separately. Our team will provide information about costs during your consultation.