Plasma Rich in Growth Factor
Growth factor-rich plasma (or PRGF®) is a type of plasma-rich protein (PRP) that is derived by splitting blood into its components. The technique was invented by Dr. Eduardo Anitua, founder and scientific director of the Bio Technology Institute. It is a technique that uses a small amount of patient blood to isolate crucial proteins that stimulate healing, promote new bone growth, and repair soft tissue in surgical sites. And, because the PRGF is derived from the patient's blood and tissue, the process is very safe with a minor risk of disease transmission or donor rejection. The technique is also known as Endoret ® technology.
The Excitement About PRGF
PRGF is considered a breakthrough in bone and soft tissue regeneration because it permits the body to take advantage of the normal healing pathways at a greatly accelerated rate. When the body is wounded and needs to heal, many different cells and cell-types are rushed to the site of the injury. These cells initiate the healing process by forming blood clots and releasing growth factors into the wound. The more growth factors that are introduced to the wound, the quicker and more efficiently the body can heal.
By introducing PRGF to the surgical area, the body can take advantage of a large amount of growth factors without the blood cells. This allows for accelerated healing but without the immune system response of swelling and inflammation. PRGF also has been shown to increase the formation of new bone. By adding PRGF to the surgical site, the doctor can now grow bone more predictably and faster than ever before. This is of great significance when placing dental implants.
The Advantages of PRGF
It is Safe. PRGF are derived from the patient’s own blood. As a result, disease transmission is not an issue.
It is Convenient. PRGF is easily generated in our office and can be done while the patient is undergoing another procedure, such as placement of dental implants.
It helps with Faster Healing. By saturating the wound with PRGF, the patient will experience
It is Easy to Use. PRGF is easy to handle and makes applying bone substitute materials and bone grafting products easier to manipulate.
FAQ’s about PRGF
Is PRGF safe?
Yes! A very small amount of your own blood is drawn via IV during the outpatient procedure. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge and spun down. This helps separate the PRGF from the other contents of your blood (red blood cells, white blood cells, etc.). The entire process takes only 40 minutes!
Can PRGF be used in al bone-grafting cases?
Because each patient’s needs are different, PRGF cannot be used in all cases. There are situations in which PRGF is not necessary, for example if there is no infection, if the surgical site was small, or if there are no plans to add an implant in the extraction site. However, for most of cases, PRGF can greatly benefit the patient by making the would heal faster and more efficiently. In fact, it is especially helpful for those with decreased healing response (diabetics, smokers, the elderly, or those with immune disorders).
Will PRGF be covered by my insurance?
The PRGF is not usually covered by insurance providers. The cost of PRGF application is usually paid by the patient. However, since PRGF often stimulates bone growth without bone grafting the cost is often offset by the savings from not having a bone grafting procedure.
Are there any contraindications to PRGF?
There are a few contraindications to PRGF. Those with bleeding disorders or hematologic diseases do not qualify for this in-office procedure because it can be difficult to control bleeding in a non-hospital setting. It is best to discuss your treatment options with your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for PRGF.