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PRP Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, characterized by pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
Dysfunction of the TMJs is most commonly developed by women and is most often developed in adults in early adulthood, from 20-40 years old. While some people can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and exercises, many others require more advanced treatments to alleviate chronic pain.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an emerging, promising non-invasive treatment for TMJ disorder, offering potential relief by reducing pain and promoting healing in the affected joint.
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
There are two joints on either side of your face right in front of your ears called the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These joints connect your skull and lower jawbone for you to be able to move your jaw every day to talk, bite, and clamp your teeth.
Problems with your TMJs can sprout from several causes, such as grinding your teeth, genetics, arthritis in your jaw joints, a dislocated jaw, and other similar origins.
TMJ dysfunction occurs when the cartilage surrounding the joints begins to wear away, or the joint is somehow damaged or misaligned.
Symptoms
Some signs and symptoms that you might have temporomandibular joint disorder are:
- Pain in the jaw and/or face
- Stiff jaw movements
- Headaches or migraines
- Jaw pop and locks, difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Trouble chewing
- Pain in surrounding areas including ears, teeth, neck, and shoulders
- Malocclusion – alteration in the way your teeth fit together, causing discomfort
What is PRP Therapy for TMJ Disorder?
PRP therapy for TMJ disorder involves using a patient’s blood to promote healing and reduce pain in the jaw joint. The process starts with drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, which is then placed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets.
These concentrated platelets are rich in growth factors and are injected into the TMJ area. The growth factors in PRP help repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain, providing a non-surgical option for managing TMJ disorder symptoms.
How Effective is PRP for TMJ Disorder
A study conducted by Hegab et al., published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, investigated the effectiveness and duration of PRP therapy in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis. The study included 30 patients who received PRP injections in the TMJ area.
The results showed significant pain reduction and improved jaw function within the first-month post-treatment.
These benefits were maintained for up to 6 months. By the 12-month follow-up, many patients still reported reduced pain and improved function, although some required additional treatments to sustain these results.
The study suggests that PRP therapy can provide significant relief for TMJ disorder symptoms, with effects lasting from 6 months to over a year. However, the longevity of the results may require repeat treatments to maintain the benefits.
Who is a Candidate for PRP Therapy for TMJ Disorder?
The best candidates for PRP therapy are those with early to moderate stages of TMJ disorder, as this kind of non-invasive treatment is most effective for less extreme cases.
However, not everybody is completely suitable for PRP therapy, including patients with:
- Blood disorders, such as clotting or bleeding disorders
- Active infections, particularly around the jaw area, should not undergo PRP therapy until the infection is resolved.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Heavy smokers
- Severe cardiovascular disease
- Patients on blood thinners
- Cancer patients
- Autoimmune disorders
Side effects
Despite being a non-invasive and typically safe method that uses a patient’s own blood, PRP therapy for TMJ disorder can sometimes still have side effects, including bruising and swelling at the injection site.
Conclusion
In summation, PRP therapy is a promising treatment for TMJ disorder, especially for those with mild to moderate symptoms or those who have not responded to other conservative treatments. It can provide significant pain relief and improved jaw function, with effects lasting from several months to over a year.
PRP therapy is generally a safe treatment for TMJ disorder, but some patients might not be suitable for it and should check with a healthcare professional to ensure complete security with their treatment plan.
Sources
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/facial-pain/prevalence-tmj-disorders
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15066-temporomandibular-disorders-tmd-overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/platelet-rich-plasma-prp-therapy
Hegab, A., Ali, M., and Ahmed, A. “Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis.” International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 48, no. 6, 2019, pp. 705-712.
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