Regenerative science has transformed how doctors approach healing — and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is one of the most exciting examples. In dentistry, PRP uses the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to enhance recovery, encourage tissue regeneration, and support the growth of healthy bone and soft tissue after surgery.
What Is Platelet Rich Plasma?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. It is a concentrated portion of your own blood that contains high levels of platelets, growth factors, and white blood cells that help accelerate the body’s natural healing process.
When used during periodontal surgery, bone grafting, or dental implant placement, PRP can promote faster recovery and reduce post-procedure inflammation. The concept is simple: by reintroducing your body’s own concentrated healing components to the affected area, we can enhance repair and stimulate tissue regeneration.
This approach has been used safely for decades in sports medicine, plastic surgery, and orthopedic procedures — helping patients heal from soft tissue injuries, muscle injuries, and even sports injuries like tennis elbow or jumper’s knee. In dentistry, it’s used for the same reason: to encourage better outcomes with fewer complications.
How Is PRP Prepared?
During your appointment, a small amount of blood, typically just a few milliliters, is drawn from your arm. The sample is then placed into a centrifuge, which spins the whole blood at high speed. This process separates it into layers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma.
Within the plasma layer lies the highest concentration of platelets, which contain powerful growth factors such as:
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) – stimulates the formation of new blood vessels and improves oxygen delivery to healing tissue.
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) – encourages collagen production and the repair of damaged soft tissue.
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) – supports bone regeneration, tissue repair, and overall healing.
Once the platelet activation process is complete, this concentrated PRP solution can be carefully applied to the surgical site to enhance recovery.
How PRP Enhances Periodontal and Dental Surgery
In Dr. Alger’s periodontal and implant procedures, PRP treatment plays a valuable role in supporting the body’s recovery following surgery. Because the plasma is derived from the patient’s own body, the risk of infection or allergic reaction is virtually eliminated.
Common uses of PRP therapy in dentistry include:
- Covering bone graft materials to support bone growth and regeneration.
- Promoting faster healing of gum tissue after periodontal surgery.
- Improving blood flow and oxygenation to the surgical site.
- Supporting the integration of dental implants into the jawbone.
- Reducing inflammation and discomfort following oral or maxillofacial surgery.
The use of PRP also helps decrease swelling and enhances overall tissue strength, improving both comfort and the long-term success of the procedure.
Why PRP Is Considered Safe and Effective
Since PRP is derived from your own body, it carries no risk of disease transmission, blood transfusion reactions, or other adverse effects sometimes seen with donor sources. This makes it one of the safest regenerative options available in both medical and dental procedures.
Research published in peer-reviewed journals such as Plast. Reconstr. Surg. and the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery supports the effectiveness of PRP in accelerating wound healing and enhancing bone regeneration. Clinical studies and randomized controlled trials have shown promising results for its role in reducing inflammation and improving healing time after dental and orthopedic surgery alike.
While PRP is not a replacement for proper oral hygiene or follow-up care, it acts as a supportive boost to your body’s own recovery mechanisms. The benefits are cumulative — the body heals faster, stronger, and with better tissue quality.
What to Expect During PRP Treatment
Patients often receive PRP during another surgical procedure, such as a bone graft or implant placement. Because most dental surgeries are performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, the blood draw is quick and virtually painless.
- Blood Collection: A small sample is taken from your arm.
- Centrifugation: The blood is spun to separate the platelet-rich layer from other components.
- Preparation: The PRP product is drawn into a sterile syringe or combined with bone graft material.
- Application: The PRP is placed directly on the injured area or graft site to enhance healing.
Patients report little to no discomfort during the process, and the use of PRP does not add significant time to your appointment. Most individuals return to normal activity within a day, following post-operative instructions to protect the injection site and support the healing process.
PRP Beyond Dentistry
Although PRP is a powerful tool for dental and periodontal surgery, it’s also widely used across medicine. Professional athletes frequently receive PRP injections to speed up recovery from sports injuries and chronic pain. It’s also used in hair restoration for male and female pattern baldness, plastic surgery for soft tissue repair, and orthopaedics to promote healing after knee osteoarthritis, Achilles tendinopathy, or ACL reconstruction.
The versatility of PRP lies in its natural foundation — it’s derived from the patient’s own blood and relies on a biological cascade of events that encourage healing without introducing foreign materials.
Is PRP Right for Me?
Dr. Alger will discuss the potential benefits of PRP therapy during your consultation. The decision depends on your treatment goals, medical history, and the type of dental procedure being performed. For patients undergoing bone grafting, tissue repair, or implant placement, PRP may enhance healing and provide a stronger, more predictable outcome.
Because PRP involves using your own platelets, there are minimal side effects and no concern about rejection. Most patients find it to be a safe, effective way to accelerate healing while minimizing discomfort.
Supporting a Faster Recovery
The healing process following oral surgery is influenced by many factors — overall health, nutrition, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or alcohol consumption. PRP treatment supports the body’s ability to recover by increasing the concentration of growth factors at the site of injury. This improves tissue oxygenation, stimulates collagen production, and enhances new blood vessel formation.
By incorporating PRP into your procedure, Dr. Alger helps ensure that you heal as quickly and comfortably as possible while achieving a healthy, long-lasting result.