Platelet-rich plasma for regeneration of neural feedback pathways around dental implants: a concise review and outlook on future possibilities

Along with the development of new materials, advanced medical imaging and surgical techniques, osseointegrated dental implants are considered a successful and constantly evolving treatment modality for the replacement of missing teeth in patients with complete or partial edentulism. The importance of restoring the peripheral neural feedback pathway and thus repairing the lack of periodontal mechanoreceptors after tooth extraction has been highlighted in the literature. Nevertheless, regenerating the nerve fibers and reconstructing the neural feedback pathways around osseointegrated implants remain a challenge. Recent studies have provided evidence that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a promising treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. Because of its high biological safety, convenience and usability, PRP therapy has gradually gained popularity in the clinical field. Although much remains to be learned, the growth factors from PRP might play key roles in peripheral nerve repair mechanisms. This review presents known growth factors contributing to the biological efficacy of PRP and illustrates basic and (pre-)clinical evidence regarding the use of PRP and its relevant products in peripheral nerve regeneration. In addition, the potential of local application of PRP for structural and functional recovery of injured peripheral nerves around dental implants is discussed. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy offers potential for nerve regeneration, particularly peripheral nerve recovery around dental implants. Regeneration of nerve fibers and restoration of sensory feedback can present problems following dental implant placement. Owing to its safety and applicability, PRP therapy has shown promise in treating musculoskeletal injuries. Reinhilde Jacobs (University of Leuven, Belgium), Haiyang Yu (Sichuan University, China) and and coworkers reviewed basic research studies and preliminary clinical trials on the biological efficacy of PRP in peripheral nerve regeneration. The authors concluded that various growth factors released by PRP may indeed modify and promote sensory feedback around a dental implant. However, further research is necessary before using PRP with dental implants can be advocated as safe, effective treatment. Among the authors' recommendations for future studies are optimizing the clinical efficacy of growth factors within PRP.