PRP for TMJ Pain

How does a PRP treatment work?

If you’re not familiar with temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ, it is a condition denoted by damage or injury caused to the joint connecting the jaw to the skull.

Those who have received this diagnosis have reported the misalignment of their teeth and, in extreme cases, their jaw. Additionally, many patients have experienced headaches, jaw clicking, pain in the temple area, and locking of the jaw. To say that this is a serious problem, would be an understatement.

Fortunately, there are a number of options available for treating TMJ. And in this article, we will detail a few of the more common treatments, including PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma).

How to Treat TMJ

Before discussing platelet-rich plasma and how it provides relief for those struggling with TMJ, let’s take a moment to identify a few lifestyle changes, as well as specific medications, which have also been proven to be effective.

Popular over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen is a great way to manage the pain and inflammation brought on by TMJ. Also, making small lifestyle changes like reducing stress, gently massaging the jaw/neck can be effective. Lastly, avoid chewing gum or hard candies as this may exacerbate an already bad situation.

It’s important to note that the severity of TMJ can vary from patient to patient. In some cases, patients may require an advanced treatment protocol involving prescription medication, dental splints, physical therapy and, lastly, surgery.

How Effective is Platelet Rich Plasma for Treatment of TMJ

Having provided a cursory background on TMJ as well as some common treatment options, let’s take a moment to explore PRP, a relatively new approach towards alleviating TMJ symptoms.

As the name may suggest, PRP is blood plasma composed of concentrated platelets that work collectively to repair damaged tissues in the body.

So how effective is PRP when it comes to treating TMJ? It is very effective, actually; according to a study published in the Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, PRP injections were found to be on par with that of hyaluronic acid injections.

It is also important to note that an overwhelming majority of study participants reported reduced pain after receiving their respective PRP injections, not to mention a reduction in the popping and clicking sounds synonymous with TMJ.

What are the benefits?

There is very little risk to the patient, since we use the patient’s own blood
Same day procedure with minimal down time
Near pain free procedure
Quick blood draw in the office VS surgery in a hospital
The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes

What are the success rates?

We have performed thousands of PRP injections over the years and 80-90% of our patients are seeing reductions in pain for arthritis, injuries, and chronic pain. In some cases even complete pain relief.

Am I a good candidate for PRP?

Most patients are good candidates for PRP, unless they have bleeding disorders or active cancers. We also do not perform PRP for neurological disorders or for spinal/neck conditions.

What is the recovery?

Patients should take 1 week off from exercise after injections, but can resume work the same day (unless they have a very active job). There is no bedrest needed, and patients can drive home from the procedure themselves.

Why choose Dr. Kanaan for your PRP?

See why Dr. Kanaan is the expert in PRP injections and how he can help you receive relief from your orthopedic conditions.

Duke fellowship-trained nonsurgical orthopedic specialist.
Dr. Kanaan has performed thousands of PRP injections over the last 10+ years
Every time you visit our office you will meet with Dr. Kanaan.
All injection procedures are performed by Dr. Kanaan under ultrasound guidance, for improved accuracy.
Wake Nonsurgical Ortho is the Research Triangle’s first private practice solely dedicated to Nonsurgical orthopedics

What is the cost?

Call us for a current price

*Insurance does not currently cover PRP, despite a growing body of evidence in support of this procedure. We take many payment options.

Tricare Is NOW covering Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections (Effective Oct. 1, 2019 through Sept. 30, 2024)

TRICARE may cover PRP injections if you’re diagnosed with:

Mild to moderate chronic osteoarthritis of the knee
Lateral epicondylitis, also known as “tennis elbow”

What areas can be treated?

PRP injections can be performed in arthritic joints, injured muscles, tendons, and ligaments all over the body. This list DOES NOT include every body part. We have injected almost every part of the body with PRP safely. Some examples of treatment and their studies include:

How does PRP differ from stem cell therapy?

Most studies support that PRP can be just as effective as a stem cell injection for pain relief. Therefore, in most cases we advise trying a PRP injection first.

If you have joint pain, or an injury and traditional methods have not provided relief, then PRP therapy may be the solution.

Schedule an Appointment for PRP Therapy

Duke fellowship-trained nonsurgical orthopedic specialist, Dr. Matthew Kanaan, specializes in performing PRP therapy for patients in Raleigh, Durham and Cary, NC. PRP therapy is a highly effective way to provide long term relief to chronic orthopedic pain. Dr. Kanaan will take the time to diagnose your symptoms and discover if PRP therapy is right for you. Call our office at (919) 719-2270 for more information about PRP therapy or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kanaan.

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