Thursday, October 11, 2012

Domenick Coletti: Healing through platelet rich growth factor

Platelets are irregularly shaped cell fragments that are a vital part of the blood clotting process. Dental surgeons like Dr. Domenick Coletti apply platelet rich growth factor (PRGF) in many dental operation procedures. The substance, relatively available and inexpensive, is fast becoming a valuable part in assisting the healing process post op.

Domenick Coletti Image Credit: Spittoon.23andme.com


Also known as thrombocytes, platelets are one of the three principal cells found in blood. These are colorless cells that lack nuclei and are a source of growth factors. During the clotting process, these cells become more rounded and mesh together, trapping the blood in place. In addition, they release chemicals that cause surrounding cells to release fibroblasts, which facilitate healing.

Domenick Coletti Image Credit: Newsatjama.Wordpress.com


This important role in wound repair is what makes PRGF desirable. To create PRGF, dentists like Dr. Domenick Coletti would extract 20 to 40 cc of the patient’s own blood to get the platelets.

Using PRGF is advantageous in many ways. First, it accelerates the body’s own healing processes. In addition, because it is extracted from the patient, it is devoid of any potentially harmful pathogens and would have no issues on compatibility. Finally, it is easy to make, taking at most 15 minutes, and cost-effective as it is created in a centrifuge machine in the clinic and not taken from a hospital or blood bank.

Domenick Coletti Image Credit: Beaut.ie


More information on PRGF and its applications can be accessed from Dr. Domenick Coletti’s website.