IN Fox Chapel Area Winter 2019 | Page 45

INDUSTRY INSIGHT DENTAL CARE SPONSORED CONTENT What’s New with You? T he human body is an amazing thing, so it’s no wonder we can actually heal ourselves from within. By now you have probably heard of PRP/PRF somewhere…maybe it was Kim Kardashian’s post about getting a vampire facial or Kobe Bryant having it injected into his knee for joint support? But what exactly is this mysterious potion everyone is raving about? Spoiler alert: it’s your OWN BLOOD! WHAT IS PRP/PRF AND WHERE DO YOU GET IT? The process of getting PRF/PRP is actually quite simple. A clinician does a blood draw and the sample is spun down in a centrifuge until it separates into a platelet-rich layer. This layer consists of concentrated human growth factors and platelets, which encourages healing and cell growth. The blood sample in its most natural form is PRF; when you add anticoagulants to the process, it then becomes PRP. Both are used for different purposes throughout the body. HOW DO WE USE PRP/PRF? At my wellness-based practice I have been using PRF/ PRP in my surgeries for almost a decade now, whether it’s bone grafting, implants, or treating gingival recession. Adding PRP into the surgical site increases collagen production and vascularization, which promotes rapid healing. I’ve witnessed firsthand how adding PRP to my surgeries helps people heal almost twice as fast. I am such a firm believer in it that my team and I have been training in advanced PRF/PRP Facial Esthetics to learn what else it can be used for. I am excited to share that we will now be offering our patients several new procedures using their own blood! Anti-Aging in Facial Esthetics – We use PRF in our micro needling treatments, also known as collagen induction therapy. This treatment is highly sought after due to its ability to smooth skin and reduce wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and stretch marks. The approach employs small needles that puncture the skin and stimulate local collagen production. When PRF is added to this treatment, the growth factors are delivered deep into the skin for even better results. At Fox Chapel Advanced Dental Care we use the popular DermaPen for this treatment, which is known for its “stamping” technology and is most effective and safe. When using topical numbing gel, this is a pain-free procedure with almost no downtime! Filler for Face and Lips – PRP can be used as an all-natural filler to treat deep wrinkles or the loss of volume in the face and lips. The process takes about 30 minutes, and has little to no negative side effects. The benefit for many people is the option to use their own body’s natural pathways to improve their skin, rather than injecting anything artificial into their body. Plus, Botox and other filler treatments break down with time, but the Platelet Rich Plasma lasts and looks better for as long as 18 months to two years. Call us today to schedule your PRF/PRP service!! This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz. Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz is a second-generation dentist in Western Pennsylvania who has spent the last 10 years of his 25-plus year career developing his cutting-edge, technology-driven practice. This, along with his full-service CAD/CAM-based lab, allows him to bring unique insight to his passion for teaching and dentistry. Dr. Pawlowicz is a graduate of The Ohio State University with post-graduate training at the institutes of Las Vegas, Dawson, Seattle and Misch. He is a sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, accredited with the Academy of Laser Dentistry, affiliated with the ADA and PDA, and a member of the ISCD and ACCD.  Dr. Pawlowicz lectures both nationally and internationally, and is the author of numerous articles on dental materials and techniques. In addition to lecturing, he aids in the development of new dental products and technology and continues to be on the advisory board of many companies. “Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FoxChapelAdvancedDentalCare Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/foxchapeldental 2008-2018 FOX CHAPEL AREA ❘ WINTER 2019 43