Summer 2007 Re Run

Growth factors have long been viewed as having the potential to revolutionize our ability to accelerate the healing process and enhance clinical outcomes in a multitude of procedures. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) recently has received particular attention because of its broad wound-healing activities in both bone and soft tissue regenerative procedures. Over the past several years, studies of purified recombinant (synthetic) human PDGF (rhPDGF) in combination with synthetic matrices such as beta tricalcium phosphate (B-TCP) or allografts have yielded promising results. Most importantly, the development of a commercially-available synthetic rhPDGF growth factor offers an alternative to obtaining it from our patient's blood. In this current issue of The PerioDontaLetter, we discuss these findings and the potential for this therapy to become the new standard of care for treatment of certain types of bone and soft-tissue defects. As always, we welcome your questions and suggestions. genic, xenographic or synthetic bone material producing a graft which releases the body’s own growth factors, including PDGF, initiating new bone and tissue formation. These growth factors help speed healing, aid tissue regeneration, and reduce post operative pain, swelling and bleeding. One of these growth factors is PDGF (platelet derived growth factor), a protein found naturally not only in blood platelets, but in