If you’ve been dealing with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, you know how disruptive it can be. From jaw pain and difficulty chewing to headaches and neck tension, TMJ disorders can affect many aspects of your daily life. While traditional treatments like physical therapy, medication, and dental appliances have helped many, a newer, cutting-edge treatment called Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy is making waves as a promising solution for TMJ relief. Understanding what to expect from treatment can help reduce anxiety about upcoming appointments and ensure a smooth recovery.
Understanding PRF Therapy
PRF therapy is a regenerative treatment that harnesses the power of your body’s own healing properties. It involves using a sample of your blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets and fibrin. These components play a vital role in tissue healing and regeneration. The concentrated PRF is then injected into the affected area—such as the TMJ joint, muscles, or ligaments—to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue repair.
What Happens During PRF Therapy for TMJ Treatment?
It’s natural to feel apprehension and fear about upcoming dental or medical treatments. The procedure for PRF therapy is relatively simple and is typically performed in a clinical setting by a trained healthcare professional. Here’s what to expect so you can be prepared.
Consultation and Evaluation
Before PRF therapy, you’ll have a consultation with Dr. Henrich. This will involve discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments you’ve tried for TMJ pain. The goal is to determine whether PRF is a suitable treatment for your condition. During this consultation, be sure to ask any questions you may have about treatment and discuss any concerns with your dentist.
Blood Draw and Processing
PRF therapy begins with a simple blood draw, similar to a routine blood test. The blood is typically drawn from your arm, and only a small amount is needed (usually around 10–20 mL). After the blood is collected, it is placed in a centrifuge machine. The centrifuge spins the blood at high speeds to separate the components. This process isolates the platelets and fibrin from the red blood cells, creating the concentrated PRF. The PRF will be in a gel-like form, which helps it adhere to the targeted area for longer periods.
Injection
Once the PRF is ready, it is injected into the area where you’re experiencing TMJ discomfort. This could be directly into the TMJ joint, surrounding tissues, or the muscles and ligaments involved in jaw movement. The injections are typically done with a fine needle, and Dr. Henrich will work with precision to target the areas most in need of healing.
Post-Treatment Care
After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or swelling in the treated area, which is completely normal. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for the area to ensure optimal healing. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure, although you may want to avoid excessive chewing or jaw movements for a few days.
What Are the Benefits of PRF Therapy for TMJ?
PRF therapy offers several advantages when it comes to TMJ treatment. Since PRF uses your own blood, there’s minimal risk of allergic reactions or rejection. The therapy utilizes the body’s natural healing properties to repair tissues and reduce inflammation. Many patients report significant pain relief following PRF therapy. By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, PRF can help alleviate the chronic pain associated with TMJ disorders.
PRF therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that doesn’t require any cuts, stitches, or recovery from surgery. For patients who prefer to avoid surgery, this can be a great alternative. PRF can also accelerate the healing process, so you may experience faster recovery from TMJ-related injuries or inflammation compared to other treatments.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
PRF therapy is generally considered safe because it uses your own blood. However, as with any medical procedure, some side effects could occur. Some swelling, bruising, or redness around the injection site is common after the procedure, but this usually resolves within a few days. You may experience some soreness or tenderness in the area that was treated, but this is typically mild and temporary. As with any injection, there’s a very small risk of infection, but this is uncommon if proper hygiene and care are followed.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
One of the most common questions patients ask is how soon they can expect relief. PRF therapy works by stimulating natural healing, so it may take a few weeks to start noticing significant improvements. Many patients report feeling less pain and stiffness within 1–2 weeks, with more noticeable changes occurring over the following months. The full benefits can take up to 6 months to fully develop as the tissues continue to heal.
At Henrich Dental, we understand how frustrating living with TMJ disorder can be. Dr. Henrich has devoted his practice to helping patients find safe and effective treatment options such as PRF therapy. If you struggle with jaw pain or discomfort, we’re here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and see if PRF therapy is right for you.