What Is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment prepared from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate platelets, which contain growth factors and signalling molecules involved in tissue repair and inflammation control.
In temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, PRP can be injected directly into the jaw joint to improve the biological environment within the joint and help reduce pain and dysfunction.
Unlike conventional pain-relieving injections, PRP does not simply mask symptoms. Instead, it aims to support the body’s own healing processes.
What Is TMJ PRP Treatment Used For?
PRP is most commonly used in patients with intra-articular TMJ disorders, meaning conditions arising from the jaw joint itself rather than the surrounding muscles.
It may be considered for patients with:
- Persistent TMJ pain
- Clicking or grating joints
- Restricted mouth opening
- Internal derangement of the TMJ
- Osteoarthritis of the jaw joint
- Inflammatory TMJ disorders
- Residual symptoms following arthrocentesis
- Symptoms that have not responded adequately to splints, physiotherapy, or medication
PRP is generally less useful for patients whose symptoms arise solely from muscle tension, jaw clenching, or myofascial pain.
How Does PRP Work in the Jaw Joint?
The temporomandibular joint contains cartilage, bone, synovial fluid, and a fibrocartilaginous disc that work together to allow smooth jaw movement.
When the joint becomes inflamed or damaged, inflammatory mediators accumulate within the joint space and can contribute to pain, stiffness, reduced mouth opening, and ongoing joint deterioration.
PRP contains concentrated platelets that release growth factors involved in healing and tissue regulation.
The aim of treatment is to:
- Reduce inflammation within the joint
- Improve the biological environment of the TMJ
- Support tissue repair processes
- Improve joint function
- Reduce pain during movement
PRP should be viewed as a regenerative treatment rather than simply a lubricating injection.
How Is PRP Made?
PRP is prepared from your own blood.
A small blood sample is taken during the procedure and processed in a centrifuge. This separates the blood into its different components and concentrates the platelets into a small volume of plasma.
Because the treatment is derived from your own blood, the risk of allergy or rejection is extremely low.
How Is PRP Injected Into the TMJ?
PRP is most commonly administered as an adjunct to TMJ arthrocentesis or during TMJ arthroscopy.
The procedure is usually performed under sedation or general anaesthetic depending on the clinical situation.
Following preparation of the PRP, the concentrate is injected directly into the TMJ space.
The entire process typically takes less than an hour.
PRP and Arthrocentesis
PRP is frequently combined with TMJ arthrocentesis.
Arthrocentesis involves washing out the joint with sterile fluid to remove inflammatory substances and release minor adhesions within the joint.
After the washout has been completed, PRP can be injected into the joint.
This combination allows the joint to be cleaned mechanically before the regenerative treatment is introduced.
For many patients, this represents the most effective method of delivering PRP to the TMJ.
What Is the Difference Between PRP and Hyaluronic Acid?
PRP and hyaluronic acid (HA) are both used to treat TMJ disorders, but they work in different ways.
Hyaluronic acid primarily aims to improve lubrication within the joint and reduce friction between joint surfaces.
PRP, by contrast, focuses on the biological environment of the joint and attempts to modify inflammation and tissue healing.
A useful way to think about the difference is:
- Hyaluronic acid improves joint mechanics
- PRP improves joint biology
They should therefore be viewed as complementary rather than competing treatments.
What Are the Benefits of PRP for TMJ Disorders?
Potential benefits include:
- Reduction in TMJ pain
- Improved jaw opening
- Improved chewing function
- Reduced joint inflammation
- Improved joint comfort
- Potential support of tissue repair processes
Many patients also report improved quality of life due to reduced discomfort during daily activities such as eating, talking, and yawning.
How Long Does It Take for PRP to Work?
PRP is not an immediate pain-relieving treatment.
Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, but benefits often develop gradually over 1-6 months.
Because the treatment relies on biological processes, the onset of improvement is often slower than conventional injections.
Recovery After TMJ PRP
Recovery is usually straightforward. Some patients experience:
- Mild discomfort around the joint
- Temporary swelling
- Temporary stiffness
These symptoms are generally short-lived and settle within a few weeks.
Most patients return to normal daily activities quickly.
What Are the Risks of PRP?
PRP is generally considered a very safe treatment because it is prepared from the your own blood.
Potential risks include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Temporary swelling
- Bruising
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Failure to improve symptoms
Serious complications are uncommon.
The risks associated with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, when performed at the same time, should be considered separately.
Who Is a Good Candidate for TMJ PRP?
PRP may be appropriate if you:
- Have persistent TMJ pain despite conservative treatment
- Have evidence of intra-articular TMJ disease
- Wish to explore regenerative treatment options
- Do not have platelet function disorders or are on medication that alters platelet function
- Are seeking an alternative to repeated medication use
A detailed consultation, examination, and review of imaging are required before treatment is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PRP Regrow Cartilage in the TMJ?
The evidence currently suggests that PRP may support tissue repair and improve the biological environment within the joint. However, it should not be regarded as a method of regenerating damaged cartilage.
Is PRP Safe?
Because PRP is produced from your own blood, the risk of allergy or rejection is extremely low.
How Many PRP Injections Will I Need?
Many patients undergo a single treatment, particularly when PRP is combined with arthrocentesis. Additional treatments may occasionally be considered depending on response.
Is PRP Painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort following treatment, which settles within a few days.
Can PRP Cure TMJ Disorder?
The aim of PRP is to reduce symptoms, improve function, and improve the internal environment of the joint.
Why Consider PRP for TMJ Pain?
PRP represents one of the most promising regenerative treatments currently available for selected TMJ disorders. By targeting inflammation and supporting the biological health of the joint, it offers a different approach from traditional treatments that focus primarily on symptom control.
When used in appropriately selected patients, particularly in conjunction with arthrocentesis, PRP may help reduce pain, improve jaw function, and support longer-term joint health.
Book a Consultation
Assessment of TMJ disorders requires careful diagnosis. A consultation allows evaluation of your symptoms, clinical examination findings, and any imaging studies, with discussion of whether PRP, hyaluronic acid, arthrocentesis, or another treatment is most appropriate for your situation.
