Advancements in Platelet-Rich Products: Obtaining Methods and Applications in Dentistry

Abstract

The concentrated autogenous platelet administration is one of the innovative and promising therapeutic approaches in medicine. In this sense, autologous biomaterials rich in platelets and leukocytes obtained from the patient’s own blood are used. These biomaterials are very easy to apply and do not require any biochemical treatment. These products, which provide controlled release of various proteins and growth factors, are especially applied to accelerate wound healing in either soft or hard tissue. When platelets are activated, they form a network in the fibrin matrix; this activates the tissue healing mechanism and ensures the release of growth factors that stimulate regeneration. The physiological effects of platelets on wound healing have been investigated in the last 20 years and it has been stated that more successful treatments can be conducted with platelet-rich biomaterials especially in oral surgery. Several methods are used to obtain platelet-rich products. The differences between the methods may depend on the centrifugal speed and duration, the supernatants formed, their precipitates, and the added chemicals. These variations cause differences in fibrin network structures and tend to change the leukocyte and growth factor contents of platelets. Thus, a series of biomaterials with different structures and properties have been developed. This innovative review studies the obtainment methods, structural differences, contents, and applications of platelet-rich products in dentistry.