Short answer: PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a product obtained by centrifuging a person's own blood that contains a high concentration of growth factors that support healing. In dentistry it is used to support wound healing in periodontal surgery, gum recession treatment, bone grafting, implants and after extractions. It is not a treatment on its own; it is applied in addition to the core treatment of gum disease.
When gum disease progresses and bone supporting the teeth is lost, the goal of treatment is not only to stop the inflammation but also to regenerate the lost tissue as much as possible. At this point, PRP in dentistry stands out as one of the biological products used to support the healing process. What PRP is, when it is used and how much benefit it actually provides are questions patients often ask. In this article we explain what PRP is, its uses in dentistry, the procedure, its possible benefits and who it may be suitable for, without exaggeration and based on scientific evidence.
What is PRP?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a plasma product obtained from a person's own blood that contains a high concentration of platelets. Platelets are cell fragments involved in blood clotting; they also release various growth factors that initiate and guide wound healing. These growth factors carry signals that support the formation of new blood vessels, the multiplication of connective tissue cells and bone formation.
The basic idea of PRP is to concentrate these healing substances, apply them to the treatment site and support the body's natural repair process. Because it is obtained from the person's own blood, it carries no risk of allergic reaction or transmission of infectious disease.
Alongside PRP, PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is also frequently used in dentistry. PRF is prepared without anticoagulant additives and forms a gel-like structure containing a fibrin network. This structure can release growth factors over a longer period and can be shaped like a membrane in the surgical area. Today, PRF is increasingly preferred in oral surgery.
How does tissue loss occur in periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease begins when bacterial plaque building up on the tooth surface causes inflammation of the gums. In the first stage, gum inflammation (gingivitis), only the gums are affected, and this condition usually reverses completely with proper care. If the inflammation continues for a long time, the attachment between gum and tooth weakens, gum pockets deepen and the bone surrounding the tooth begins to break down; this stage is called periodontitis. Lost bone and connective tissue do not grow back on their own. The aim of regenerative treatments is to create conditions for some of this tissue to re-form in suitable defect types; PRP is one of the supportive options used for this purpose.
What are the uses of PRP in dentistry?
In dentistry, PRP and PRF are mostly used in addition to surgical treatments to support soft tissue and bone healing. The main uses are:
- Periodontal regenerative surgery: Can be used together with bone grafts to treat vertical bone defects around the roots in advanced gum disease.
- Gum recession treatment: Can be applied to support soft tissue healing in surgeries aimed at covering receded gums.
- After tooth extraction: Especially after the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, it can be placed in the socket to support healing and help reduce complaints such as pain and swelling.
- Bone grafting: Can be mixed with graft material in procedures aimed at increasing bone volume before implants.
- Sinus lift: May be chosen as a support in procedures done to make room for implants in the back of the upper jaw.
- Implant surgery: Can be applied to help soft tissue and bone heal around the implant.
- After cyst and lesion surgery: Can be used to support healing of the resulting bone cavities.
It must be emphasized that PRP does not treat periodontal disease itself. The core treatment of gum disease is tartar removal, root planing, good oral hygiene and surgery when needed. PRP can be considered as part of these treatments to support the healing process.
How does the PRP procedure work?
PRP is usually applied in the same session as the surgical procedure, and its preparation is quick. The process roughly consists of the following steps:
- Assessment: The type and amount of bone loss are determined with an examination, gum pocket measurements and X-rays; whether PRP would contribute to the procedure is evaluated.
- Blood draw: On the day of the procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn from the person's arm, just as in a routine blood test.
- Centrifugation: The blood is placed in special tubes in a centrifuge. The device separates the blood into its components, and the platelet-rich portion is obtained. This usually takes 10–15 minutes.
- Surgical procedure: The gum or bone treatment is carried out under local anesthesia.
- Application: The prepared PRP or PRF is placed at the treatment site on its own or together with graft material; in some cases it is used as a membrane.
- Sutures and follow-up: The area is closed, and healing is monitored with follow-up appointments.
After the procedure, following your dentist's instructions, taking care with oral hygiene and avoiding smoking are important for healing.
What are the benefits of PRP?
Scientific studies show that PRP and PRF can speed up soft tissue healing and reduce post-operative complaints in some oral surgical procedures. Possible benefits include:
- Faster soft tissue healing and support for wound closure
- Reduced post-operative pain and swelling in some cases
- Easier handling of bone grafts by helping hold the graft together
- A contribution to reducing the risk of dry socket after extraction
- Biocompatibility, because it is obtained from the person's own blood
However, study results vary regarding PRP's contribution to bone regeneration. Some studies report an additional benefit in periodontal bone defects, while others have found no significant difference. Results can vary depending on the preparation method, the graft material used, the type of defect and patient-related factors. That is why it is more accurate to view PRP not as a procedure that provides added benefit in every case, but as a supportive method that can be chosen in suitable cases based on the dentist's assessment.
Who is PRP treatment suitable for?
PRP or PRF can be considered for people who are scheduled for periodontal surgery, bone grafting, implants or a difficult extraction and whose general health is suitable. Before the procedure, the person's medical history is reviewed in detail. In the following situations, the procedure may require caution or may not be recommended:
- Blood disorders related to platelet count or function
- Clotting disorders and the use of blood thinners; these medications must never be stopped without consulting a physician
- Active systemic infection
- Certain types of cancer and ongoing chemotherapy
- Conditions that impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes
Smoking and poor oral hygiene are among the most important factors that negatively affect the success of periodontal treatment, whether or not PRP is used. That is why quitting smoking and regular oral care are recommended before and after treatment. For other questions about gum health, see our frequently asked questions page.
When should you seek care in Ankara for gum and bone loss?
If you notice bleeding, swelling or recession of your gums, loose teeth or new gaps between them, it is recommended to have an evaluation without waiting for gum disease to progress. In its early stages, gum disease can often be brought under control with treatments that do not require surgery. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, the condition of your gums and bone is evaluated with an examination and X-rays; the necessary treatments and whether supportive procedures such as PRP are suitable for you are discussed openly.
Frequently asked questions
Can PRP restore lost gum bone?
PRP alone does not restore lost bone. In some periodontal bone defects, it can support healing when used together with bone grafts and regenerative surgery. The outcome varies depending on the type of defect, oral hygiene and individual factors.
What is the difference between PRP and PRF?
Both are platelet-rich products obtained from a person's own blood. PRP is usually prepared in liquid form with anticoagulant substances, while PRF is obtained without additives as a gel containing fibrin. PRF can release growth factors over a longer period and is frequently used in oral surgery.
Does PRP treatment hurt?
The blood draw feels like a brief needle prick, as in a routine blood test. Because the surgical procedure is done under local anesthesia, pain is usually not felt during it. Tenderness after the procedure depends on the extent of the surgery.
Is PRP used for every gum disease patient?
No, PRP is not necessary for every gum disease patient. Most cases of gum disease are brought under control with basic treatments such as tartar removal and root planing. PRP is considered as a supportive option in selected cases that require surgery.
