Applications of Platelet Rich Plasma for Regenerative Therapy in Periodontics

Regeneration of tooth-supporting structures destroyed by periodontitis is a major goal of periodontal therapy. Periodontal regeneration is perhaps one of the most complex to occur in the body since at least six tissues are involved: the gingival epithelium, gingival connective tissue, periodontal ligament, tooth root surface cementum, alveolar bone and corresponding vasculature. All these mineralized and nonmineralized components must be restored to their original position and architecture for regeneration of the periodontium to occur. Growth factors are a class of naturally occurring proteins involved in three key cellular events in tissue repair: mitogenesis, migration and matrix synthesis and remodeling1. A combination of growth factors may more effectively stimulate formation of mineralized as well as nonmineralized tissues1. Platelets are rich in growth factors that may contribute to an accelerated tissue regeneration process.