Do you notice stiffness or pain in your jaw? If you experience chronic jaw discomfort, you might suffer from disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders, commonly referred to as TMD, can lead to jaw dysfunction, meaning you may have trouble chewing, speaking, and performing other oral movements.
TMD treatment aims to improve the range of motion of the TMJ as well as alleviate pain and other discomforts related to damage to this joint. A majority of dental patients will find relief with conservative approaches to treating TMD. Examples include oral appliances like splints and physical therapy, rather than invasive procedures like jaw surgery. Many people may also benefit from platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy, a treatment that encourages the regeneration of damaged tissue within the TMJ.
Dr. Henrich will evaluate your condition and find the right treatment regimen for your oral health needs during a consultation. You can also read on to learn more about TMD and why PRF therapy and regenerative medicine may be your best treatment option.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
The TMJ serves as a point of connection between the jawbone and the skull that allows smooth movement. The joint features tissue that secretes fluid to keep the joint lubricated and therefore able to move freely and without friction between bones.
TMD develops when muscles around the jaw joint become inflamed or irritated, which leaves you with pain and discomfort. The disorder can stem from a number of scenarios, including injuries or degenerate diseases like arthritis. Habits like clenching or grinding the teeth or other forms of repetitive jaw motions may contribute to TMD.
These issues can lead to tissue damage within the TMJ. This may impede the lubrication process that keeps the joint moving smoothly. The bones might grind against one another, which can worsen TMD symptoms. For this reason, you should not delay seeking dental attention to treat TMD.
Why Consider Regenerative Therapy for TMD?
Dr. Henrich can encourage the regeneration of damaged tissue within the TMJ with PRF therapy. The procedure involves removing a minute amount of the dental patient’s blood, separating targeted platelets from the rest of the sample in a centrifuge, and injecting the platelets into the jaw. The growth factors in these platelets will stimulate tissue regeneration to repair damage within the jaw joint due to TMD.
Most patients will find relief from TMD symptoms in one to three sessions of PRF therapy. Dr. Henrich will develop a treatment plan that suits your unique case of TMD by examining your teeth and jaw. He can use state-of-the-art imaging technology to view the structure of your jawbone and TMJ and identify the best solution to restore damage to the joint.
Regenerative medicine through PRF therapy can provide effective and safe healing for patients suffering from TMD. Find TMD solutions from a skilled and experienced dentist in Tulsa, OK when you contact Dr. Frank Henrich today.