Our Summary

This research paper discusses the use of platelet concentrates, mainly platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin, in various medical fields. These substances, prepared from a patient’s own blood, have shown promise in stimulating and enhancing the regeneration of both hard and soft tissues. This is due to the high concentration of platelets, which contain numerous growth factors. The paper focuses on their use in oral and maxillofacial surgery, explaining how they are prepared and reviewing existing literature on the subject. In simple terms, it’s about using a patient’s own blood to help their body heal itself more effectively.

FAQs

  1. What are platelet concentrates and how are they prepared?
  2. How do platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin enhance the regeneration of tissues?
  3. What is the role of these substances in oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully. This includes things like taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods that may irritate the surgical site, and keeping the area clean to prevent infection. Following these instructions can help promote proper healing and minimize any potential complications.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include:

  1. Wisdom teeth extraction: Impacted wisdom teeth, which are unable to fully emerge through the gums, may need to be surgically removed to prevent pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth.

  2. Dental implants: Patients who are missing one or more teeth may undergo oral surgery to have dental implants placed in their jawbone to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth.

  3. Corrective jaw surgery: Patients with misaligned jaws or facial skeletal abnormalities may require oral surgery to improve their bite and facial appearance.

  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with TMJ disorders that cause pain, clicking, or locking of the jaw may benefit from oral surgery to correct the underlying issue.

  5. Oral pathology: Patients with oral lesions, tumors, or cysts may require oral surgery for biopsy, removal, or treatment.

  6. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered facial injuries, such as fractures or lacerations, may undergo oral surgery to repair and reconstruct the damaged tissues.

  7. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep, may undergo oral surgery to remove excess tissue in the throat or reposition the jaw to improve airflow.

Overall, oral surgery may be recommended for a variety of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, and facial structures, with the goal of improving oral health, function, and aesthetics.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Consultation with oral surgeon: The patient meets with the oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and potential outcomes.
  2. Pre-operative preparation: The patient may be advised to stop eating or drinking for a certain period before the surgery and may be prescribed medications to prevent infection or reduce pain.
  3. Anesthesia: The patient is given anesthesia to numb the area or put them to sleep before the surgery begins.

During oral surgery:

  1. Incision and extraction: The oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue, extracts the tooth or performs the necessary procedure.
  2. Platelet concentrate application: Platelet concentrates, such as platelet-rich plasma or platelet-rich fibrin, may be used during the surgery to help stimulate tissue regeneration and enhance healing.

After oral surgery:

  1. Post-operative care: The patient is given instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including how to manage pain and swelling, and how to prevent infection.
  2. Follow-up appointments: The patient may need to return to the oral surgeon for follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any complications.
  3. Healing process: Over the following days and weeks, the patient’s body will work to heal the surgical site, with the help of platelet concentrates to promote tissue regeneration and reduce recovery time.

Overall, the use of platelet concentrates in oral surgery can help improve the healing process and reduce the risk of complications, leading to a faster and more comfortable recovery for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of using platelet concentrates in my oral surgery procedure?
  2. How is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) prepared from my own blood?
  3. Are there any risks or side effects associated with using platelet concentrates in oral surgery?
  4. How will platelet concentrates help with the healing and regeneration process after my surgery?
  5. What are the success rates of using platelet concentrates in oral surgery procedures?
  6. How long will it take to see the results of using platelet concentrates in my oral surgery recovery?
  7. Will I need multiple treatments of platelet concentrates for optimal results?
  8. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow when using platelet concentrates in my oral surgery recovery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to using platelet concentrates in my oral surgery procedure?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional information or studies on the effectiveness of platelet concentrates in oral surgery?

Reference

Authors: Feigin K, Shope B. Journal: J Vet Dent. 2019 Jun;36(2):109-123. doi: 10.1177/0898756419876057. PMID: 31662059