Our Summary

This research paper discusses autologous platelet concentrates (APCs), a relatively new medical treatment that uses a person’s own blood platelets to promote healing and regeneration of both bone and soft tissues. The study reviews the history and evolution of this therapy, emphasizing its use in oral surgery, which was the first specialty to report the healing potential of APCs. The paper suggests that APCs have revolutionized many areas of healthcare and are now considered an essential tool for surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What are autologous platelet concentrates (APCs)?
  2. How do APCs promote healing and regeneration of bone and soft tissues?
  3. How have APCs revolutionized oral surgery and other areas of healthcare?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. It is also important to inform the surgeon about any underlying medical conditions or medications being taken to ensure a safe and successful surgery. After the procedure, following post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed pain medication and maintaining good oral hygiene, can help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from oral surgery with the use of APCs include those with:

  1. Dental implants: APCs have been shown to improve the success rate of dental implant surgeries by promoting bone regeneration and faster healing of soft tissues.

  2. Extraction of impacted teeth: APCs can aid in reducing the risk of complications such as dry socket and promote faster healing after tooth extractions.

  3. Bone grafting procedures: APCs have been used in conjunction with bone grafts to enhance bone regeneration and improve the success of procedures such as sinus lifts and ridge augmentations.

  4. Periodontal surgeries: APCs have been shown to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation in patients undergoing periodontal surgeries for gum disease.

  5. Oral cancer surgeries: APCs have shown promise in promoting wound healing and reducing the risk of infections following oral cancer surgeries.

Overall, patients who may benefit from oral surgery with the use of APCs are those who require procedures that involve bone or soft tissue regeneration, accelerated healing, and reduced risk of complications. These patients may include those with missing teeth, periodontal disease, bone defects, or oral cancer.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with the oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative instructions such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications.
  3. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

During oral surgery:

  1. The oral surgeon performs the necessary surgical procedures, such as tooth extraction, implant placement, or jaw reconstruction.
  2. Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) may be applied to the surgical site to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.
  3. The patient is closely monitored by the surgical team to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

After oral surgery:

  1. The patient may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising at the surgical site.
  2. Post-operative instructions are provided, including pain management techniques, dietary restrictions, and oral hygiene practices.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications.
  4. Over time, the patient’s body utilizes the APCs to accelerate tissue regeneration and promote optimal healing outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about oral surgery involving autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) may include:

  1. How will APCs be used in my oral surgery procedure?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using APCs in my surgery?
  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with using APCs in oral surgery?
  4. How long will it take for the APCs to promote healing and regeneration in the treated area?
  5. Will I need any additional follow-up treatments or care after receiving APCs in my surgery?
  6. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before or after the surgery involving APCs?
  7. Can you provide me with more information or resources about APCs and their use in oral surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of using APCs in oral surgery, and how soon can I expect to see results?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options available besides using APCs in my oral surgery?
  10. How will the cost of using APCs in my surgery be covered by insurance or out-of-pocket expenses?

Reference

Authors: O’Sullivan L, Ní Ríordáin R. Journal: Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2022 Feb;133(2):156-164. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.05.013. Epub 2021 Sep 11. PMID: 34518138