Preventing Dry Socket Using Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): What You Need to Know

The American Public Health Association reports that wisdom tooth removal costs approximately $3 billion annually in the United States. Wisdom teeth removal is a common type of oral surgery, so it’s understandable that there are various treatment methods associated with its common complications. This is particularly true when it comes to dry socket. According to Colgate, a recent study has shown the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in reducing bone healing time and dry socket risk.

Typically, recovering from an oral surgery like wisdom teeth removal involves the immune system sending white blood cells to the site of surgery, i.e., the socket. While these white blood cells heal the site, they also bring side effects of pain, swelling, and inflammation. PRP is essentially a collection of these healing cells that come without the unwelcome side effects. Overall, PRP reduces the risk of getting a dry socket while potentially expediting the healing process and decreasing pain. Can you say, ‘miracle treatment?’

Furthermore, about 3 million people have dental implants and that number is growing by 500,000 a year. With that in mind, experts say PRP treatment may be beneficial for those who need dental implants or other dental work as well.

“The PRP treatment had a positive effect on bone density immediately following tooth extraction…while the control sites had a decrease in bone density during the first week after surgery…Speeding up bone formation after an extraction could benefit patients who need dental implants or dentures by reducing their healing time and the wait for reconstructive dental work. Normal healing time without using PRP can be up to 16 weeks,” says Colgate.

According to the American Public Health Association, an estimated 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted from 5 million people in the U.S. annually. With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the most effective treatment methods that may be available to you. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or oral surgeon about the use of PRP to speed healing time and reduce dry socket risk after wisdom tooth extraction.