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Our bodies are marvels of self-healing. White blood cells fight infection. Osteoblast cells work to restore broken bones. Skin cells regenerate to repair small injuries daily. So naturally, some of the most exciting innovations in medicine are ways to help our bodies do their repair work more quickly and efficiently. The use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in dental surgeries is one such innovation.

Refresh my memory on platelets?

Our blood has four primary components, which we normally think of in terms of these traditional biological functions:

• Red blood cells deliver oxygen to the cells throughout the body
• White blood cells protect against and fight infection
• Platelets promote blood clotting after an injury
• Plasma, the liquid component of blood, moves all of these cells, along with nutrients and other substances, throughout the body.

But, of course, the science of our blood is more complex than these blood basics, and platelets do much more than help us reduce bleeding after an injury.

In fact, platelets are not really cells, but cell fragments. They have no nucleus and live only five to nine days. Yet, they play a crucial role in the healing process.

Components of platelets called alpha granules contain growth factors. These growth factors are vital in wound healing. When the body suffers an injury, platelets are rushed to the site, where the numerous proteins present in various growth factors are released into the wound. There, they stimulate stem cells to produce new tissue. There is even a growth factor called bone morphogenetic protein which specifically mobilizes cells to produce new bone tissue.

At this point, you might be thinking, “Wait! No need to refresh my memory quite so thoroughly!” In that case, let’s look at how Dr. Theodotou can use a concentration of your own platelets to enhance the healing process after oral surgery.

It’s clear how important platelets are for dental patients: not only do they reduce bleeding, but they promote soft tissue healing and even bone regeneration. Moving more platelets to the surgical site would provide more growth factors to recovering cells more quickly, leading to accelerated healing and regeneration. This is the function of Platelet-Rich Plasma.

Creating PRP

After a small amount of your blood is collected, it is centrifuged in order to concentrate a large number of platelets in a small amount of plasma. This process takes only about 15 minutes, and can be done in our Pooler oral surgery office. It is then ready for immediate use, usually mixed with a bone grafting material.

Which oral surgeries can benefit from PRP?

Studies have shown beneficial results in bone regeneration and density, as well as accelerated soft tissue healing, when PRP is used in procedures such as:

• Dental implant surgery
• Sinus lifts
• Ridge augmentation
• Treating bone loss after tooth extraction
• Periodontal surgery

In fact, Dr. Theodotou might recommend PRP for any surgery where more rapid bone regeneration and enhanced soft tissue healing are desirable.

PRP is a safe addition to oral surgery procedures

The platelets are furnished by your own body, so there is no danger of rejection, reaction, or disease transmission. Aging patients, in particular, might benefit from the regenerative and healing properties of Platelet-Rich Plasma.

If you are planning on oral surgery in the near future, you’ve probably made a wish list: a skilled surgeon, the most effective surgical procedure for your needs, and a quick, healthy recovery.

By choosing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you have already made sure of the first two items on your list.

As for your recovery time? If you are scheduled for any surgery that would benefit from bone or tissue regeneration, ask Dr. Theodotou about Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy. Using your own platelets to accelerate healing? That’s a true marvel!

Thanks to today’s advances in dental technology, we can replace missing teeth with implants for a smile that looks healthy, natural, and complete. If you’re worried that you’re too old for dental implants, good news! While younger patients must wait until their jaw bones are completely developed before implant surgery, there is no upper age limit for dental implants.

In fact, studies have shown that patients aged 65 and over have high rates of successful implantation, long-term implant retention, and minimal complications. Of course, as our bodies age, there are changes that take place. And some of these changes can make an implant procedure more challenging.

Fortunately, oral surgeons like Dr. Theodotou have the training, experience, and advanced techniques to make implants possible even in challenging circumstances. Two important concerns for older patients are bone density and healing ability. What can Dr. Theodotou do to address these concerns?

• Bone Grafting

A complete tooth replacement consists of an implant that serves as a “root” to anchor the tooth in the bone, an abutment that is secured in the implant and extends above the gum line, and a crown restoration that is attached to the abutment.

Dr. Theodotou will drill a small hole in the jawbone for the implant and carefully place it in position in the jaw. Over a period of months, this implant will become integrated into the bone just like a natural root. You can see why one of the most important requirements for a successful implant is having enough healthy bone in which to anchor it.

But after losing a tooth, the bone under the missing tooth gradually shrinks without the pressure and stimulation of chewing. As time passes, more bone loss occurs.

If there is not enough bone size and density to support an implant, you can still regain the structure you need for success with surgical bone grafting. This is a type of surgery which uses your own bone, a synthetic grafting material, or a processed bone grafting material to repair and replace damaged bone. After approximately three to four months of healing, the jawbone has recovered enough volume and density to accept an implant.

And one wonderful bonus? An implant gives your jawbone the same pressure and stimulation that your natural tooth did, preventing future bone loss.

• PRP Treatment

One consequence of aging is that older bones simply don’t heal as rapidly as younger bones.  If this is a concern for you, an encouraging new treatment for implants in older patients is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). This plasma is rich in platelet growth factors and has shown promising results in bone and tissue regeneration as well as faster healing.

After drawing a small amount of your own blood, the blood is immediately centrifuged to separate and collect the platelet-rich plasma. This plasma is then mixed with bone grafting material. And, because the PRP is composed of your own blood cells and plasma, there is no chance of rejection, reaction, or disease transmission.

If you have any concerns about your age, the implant procedure, bone health, healing time, or any other issue, talk to Dr. Theodotou.

After all, as oral surgeons, we are specialists. We have a minimum of four years of surgical education and training in a hospital-based residency program. We train with medical residents in advanced studies, which include general surgery, anesthesiology, internal medicine, plastic surgery, and otolaryngology (the study of the ear, nose, and throat). We are experts not only in implant procedures, but in adapting procedures successfully for your individual needs.

There is nothing like the look and feel of a natural smile. Make an appointment at our Pooler office to talk about dental implants. After all, a healthy, attractive smile is something we deserve at any age.

Our grandmothers and grandfathers, our moms and dads—we’ve known them our whole lives. So, why are they so hard to shop for?

If your older family members have all the sweaters, socks, and scents they need, consider a gift that can make life a bit easier and perhaps a lot healthier—an electric toothbrush!

• Easy Efficiency

The most important reason to choose an electric toothbrush is its effectiveness. Several studies have shown that regular use of an electric toothbrush leads to a marked reduction in plaque, that bacteria-filled film which sticks to the teeth and leads to cavities and gingivitis. And it’s really no surprise that an electric brush can out-perform a manual brush.

Using a manual brush is not just a matter of applying toothpaste and scrubbing. Proper technique means short brush strokes at a 45-degree angle for the outer and inner surfaces of the tooth, thoroughly cleaning the uneven chewing surfaces of the molars, and brushing the inside of the front teeth with gentle vertical strokes. Meticulous cleaning of all these surfaces can be difficult, especially for people with dexterity issues.

Electric toothbrushes offer several options, from oscillating/rotating brushes to oscillating/rotating/pulsating models to brushes using sonic vibration technology. What they all have in common is the ability to remove plaque far more effectively than we can on our own, because they provide the equivalent of thousands and even tens of thousands of brushstrokes per minute, as opposed to the hundreds we can achieve by hand.

• Comfortable Control

An electric toothbrush can be not only more efficient, but also more comfortable for older brushers. For those with arthritis, limited mobility, injuries, or other health conditions, the larger handles can be easier to control and much more grip-friendly. And, with the work being done by the brush head, users avoid repetitive hand and wrist motion.

Also, the pressure applied to teeth and gums with an electric brush is designed to clean thoroughly while protecting the mouth. Heavy-handed manual brushing can irritate delicate gum tissue and even damage enamel over time. With an electric brush, users only need to guide it along teeth and gums as it supplies all the power needed. There are even pressure sensors available to warn users that their brushing is too vigorous.

• Apps, Anyone?

If your grandfather likes to keep things old school, a basic model with a convenient two-minute timer and several cleaning modes will offer all the bells and whistles he needs. But if your nana has more Instagram followers than you do, consider a more tech-savvy option.

Several of today’s electric brushes come with features designed to make brushing even more effective. They can let her know if she’s brushing long enough, alert her if she’s brushing too hard, and remind her that it’s time to replace the brush head. Some models link to handy apps that will map out just where she’s brushed, in case there are a few spots that get overlooked. Or choose a model which comes with a travel case that can recharge while she’s busy seeing the world.

Okay, all that being said, we’ll admit it—a toothbrush might not be the most glamorous gift your grandparent unwraps on that special day. But helping a favorite family member brush more effectively and comfortably while improving dental health? That’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Have you ever thought about how you're cleaning and storing your toothbrush when you're not using it? Did you know that the way you store your toothbrush could have an affect on your oral health? In this post, we'll look at some steps you can take to maximize toothbrush cleanliness and minimize bacteria.

Below are some tips from Dr. Theodotou for toothbrush use and storage:

• Don't share your toothbrush – This may seem obvious, but sharing a toothbrush exposes both users to bacteria and microorganisms from the other user, which can increase chances of infection. You should also avoid storing your toothbrush in the same container as other people’s toothbrushes.
• Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after each use – Rinsing your toothbrush well under running water will help remove food particles, toothpaste, and other debris from the bristles of your brush.
• Store your toothbrush in an open-air container not a sealed one – Putting a wet toothbrush in a sealed container creates a favorable environment for microorganisms and bacteria.
• Soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash after use – There is some evidence to suggest that soaking your toothbrush in an antibacterial solution may reduce the amount of bacteria present on the toothbrush.
• Change your toothbrush every three months – The bristles of your toothbrush become less effective and frayed after repeated use so it's a good idea to replace it on a regular basis. It's also wise to replace it after you've been sick.

There are many simple things you can do to make your oral-care regimen as clean as possible. Use common sense when storing your toothbrush—don't put it in a dirty place like the edge of your sink or in the shower (please, not by the toilet!), and keep it upright in a cool dry place—and you're usually good to go. If your toothbrush is looking a little worse for wear, drop by our Pooler office and we'll be glad to provide you with a new one!