PRGF Endoret

Woodborough House has recently purchased new system that can help aid healing after a surgical dental procedure. This technology is called PRGF endoret.

Dr Nick Fahey has adopted this superb piece of technology to use for dental surgery, especially as part of implant surgery. Dr Fahey is always looking for ways to improve the patient experience.

PRGF stands for Plasma Rich in Growth Factors. Plasma is used in the surgical site to promote healing. The process of collection of plasma is quick and easy.

Collecting the plasma involves taking a small amount of blood from the patient. Mandy Morris, Dr Fahey’s nurse here at Woodborough House attended a phlebotomy course at the end of last year. This allows her to take blood from patients here on site. Mandy has a lovely friendly attitude and before you even know it the blood has been taken it’s that simple, many patients have complemented Mandy on her technique! It is often recommended by the dentist that patients having surgical procedures carried out have some sedation to help them through the appointment so if you are a little nervous we can take the blood after the sedation is administered, so there’s no need to worry.

The blood is mixed with an anticoagulant which will stop the blood clotting. It is then placed into our very own centrifuge where the blood is separated into red blood cells, white blood cells and plasma.

The Plasma is the separated manually into two sections, we call these Factor one and Factor two. Factor one is used to make a membrane that covers the clot as it has less growth factor and more stability. Factor two which is used to create a healing clot which is high in growth factors. Both parts are very useful to aid the healing process.

Once the plasma has been separated into factors, it is then activated using calcium. The Plasma factors are placed in a mini oven which is pre- heated to body temperature (approximately 37degrees Celsius). The factors are then left in the oven for 15-30minutes. During this time the Plasma binds together creating a jelly-like substance. The dentist then places the plasma clot, followed by the membrane in the desired space with more ease. Finally there are just a couple of sutures needed to hold the clot in place whilst it does its job.

This procedure is great for patients as the clot and membrane come from your own body, no need for artificial materials to be used! This in turn means that the body can accept the clot and membrane with more ease allowing the surgical site to start healing more efficiently.

Dr Fahey uses this for the majority of dental implant placements and tooth extractions. It is a wonderful procedure and benefits patients greatly! It can reduce the time it takes to heal between procedures and eliminate discomfort. This technology will once again make the experience of visiting the dentist much more pleasant even for the big surgical procedures.

If you would like to know more about PRGF endoret technology or any of the other technology available hear at Woodborough House please don’t hesitate to contact the practice on 0118 984 3108 to speak to the reception team.