Co-written by the researcher who first explained the scientific mechanism of PRP and a clinician with expertise on its use, this authoritative handbook presents clear and easy-to-follow guidelines for routinely incorporating PRP into a broad spectrum of dental and craniofacial procedures in order to obtain its documented benefits of enhanced healing and improved outcomes. The authors explain PRP’s biologic mechanism of action, the in-office procedure for developing PRP, and most importantly, its application and expected benefits in procedures such as implant placement, periodontal bone and soft tissue surgery, sinus lifts, jaw reconstructions, soft tissue facial augmentations, and facial cosmetic surgeries.

ISBN 0-86715-432-2

168 pp; 364 illus (mostly color)

 II.      Dental Applications of Platelet-Rich Plasma
      3.         Bone Regeneration
                  Sinus Lift Grafting 
                  Ridge Augmentation Grafting
                  Third Molar Sockets
                  Periodontal Defects
                  Ridge Preservation Techniques
      4.         Soft Tissue Regeneration
                  Periosteal and Connective Tissue Flaps
                  Free Connective Tissue and Gingival Grafts
                  Controlling Soft Tissue Healing and Tissue Maturity
                  Root Coverage Procedures

III.      Craniofacial Applications of Platelet-Rich Plasma
      5.         Reconstruction of Major Tumor and Trauma Defects
                  Mandibular Reconstruction
                  Maxillary and Midface Reconstruction
                  Alveolar Cleft Grafting
                  Reconstruction of the Severely Resorbed Mandible
      6.         Facial Soft Tissue Reconstruction and Cosmetic Procedures
                  Rhytidectomy and Blepharoplasty Procedures
                  Dermal Fat Grafts

Appendix: Phlebotomy Technique/PRP Consent Form

As of this writing, our understanding of the scientific mechanism of growth factors remains in its infancy. Primitively established in 1965 by the discovery of bone morphogenetic protein, the field of growth factor technology made stellar advances for many years despite a total lack of clinical applications. Beginning in 1998, however, the clinical science of growth factors grew exponentially, primarily as a result of studies involving the composite of growth factors known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Over the next 7 years, a large body of excellent clinical studies was gradually amassed to define PRP as a legitimate tool in wound healing and essentially the first set of autologous human growth factors directly available to clinical surgeons. PRP is a catalyst for success in routine as well as major reconstructive surgeries and is a critical factor in the healing of compromised wounds. However, it is only an adjunct to healing; it cannot replace the basic principles of sterility, blood supply, and the careful handling of tissues.

This book describes the science, technology, and clinical applications of PRP within several disciplines of dentistry and facial surgery. It shows definitive outcomes and scientific proof of its efficacy as well as the proper techniques necessary to obtain PRP’s greatest benefits. This book also answers controversies with scientific data and experience to reassure the reader of the safety of all growth factor applications in addition to those involving PRP. It provides practical information for the reader who wishes to learn phlebotomy techniques, as well as a consent form for harvesting autologous blood, both of which are essential to the clinical application of PRP.

We sincerely hope this book will serve as a useful fund of knowledge as well as a reference, both for newcomers to the field of growth factor technology and for experienced clinical surgeons who wish to expand their use of PRP.

We wish to thank Quintessence Publishing for recognizing the value of PRP and the need for a book on its clinical applications. We thank the entire editorial staff for putting up with our compulsiveness and for helping us gather all of the materials and images into a coherent book. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Maria Ruiz, Executive Secretary of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Miami, who prepared and made multiple revisions to the manuscript.

Robert E. Marx, DDS
Professor of Surgery and Chief
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Miller School of Medicine
University of Miami
Miami, Florida

Arun K. Garg, DMD
Professor of Surgery
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Miller School of Medicine
University of Miami
Miami, Florida