If you live with chronic jaw tension, facial pain, or discomfort while chewing, talking, or yawning, it may be due to dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). While medications can offer temporary relief, they often don’t address the root of the problem.
That’s where regenerative medicine comes in. At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre Indiana, we offer innovative, non-surgical treatments like Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and prolotherapy to stimulate natural healing, reduce inflammation, and restore long-term function to damaged joints and tissues.
What Is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine uses the body’s own healing mechanisms—like growth factors and stem cells—to repair or regenerate damaged tissue. Rather than masking symptoms, these treatments work to correct the underlying issue.
For TMJ disorders, this often means encouraging the regeneration of ligaments, cartilage, and joint-supporting structures that have been weakened by injury, inflammation, or misalignment.
What Causes TMJ and Facial Pain?
TMJ disorders are complex and may result from:
- Clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- Trauma to the jaw or face
- Joint misalignment
- Inflammation or arthritis
- Airway dysfunction or poor bite mechanics
This can cause not only localized pain, but also radiating symptoms such as headaches, ear pain, neck stiffness, and even difficulty swallowing.
How PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) Works
PRF is a powerful, natural healing treatment made from your own blood. A small sample is drawn, then spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and growth factors that support tissue regeneration.
This concentrated PRF is then carefully injected into the TMJ or surrounding muscles and ligaments. Over time, the body uses these healing signals to reduce inflammation, repair soft tissue damage, and restore comfort.
Benefits of PRF for TMJ Pain:
- Completely natural—uses your own cells
- Reduces chronic inflammation
- Accelerates tissue repair
- Enhances joint lubrication and mobility
- No synthetic drugs or chemicals
Unlike cortisone injections, PRF has no known side effects and helps build tissue rather than break it down.
What Is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is another regenerative technique used to strengthen ligaments and soft tissue around unstable joints. It involves injecting a natural solution—often dextrose-based—into the affected area.
This triggers a mild inflammatory response, which stimulates the body to lay down new collagen, reinforce ligaments, and stabilize the joint over time.
Benefits of Prolotherapy for TMJ and Facial Pain:
- Strengthens weak or overstretched ligaments
- Promotes natural tissue growth
- Long-term joint stabilization
- Reduced risk of recurring pain
- Drug-free and minimally invasive
For patients with joint laxity, clicking, or chronic instability in the jaw, prolotherapy can offer significant relief and improved function.
Why Choose Regenerative Medicine Over Traditional Treatments?
While medications and splints can help manage TMJ symptoms, they often don’t heal damaged tissue or resolve structural problems. Regenerative medicine offers a way to:
✅ Target the root cause
✅ Avoid surgery or long-term medication
✅ Promote natural healing
✅ Achieve lasting results
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre Indiana, these treatments are often combined with other supportive therapies like oral orthotics, laser therapy, or myofunctional exercises for optimal outcomes.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Evaluation & Diagnosis
- We begin with a full evaluation of your jaw, bite, and symptoms to determine if PRF or prolotherapy is appropriate for your condition.
- Blood Draw (for PRF)
- A small sample of your blood is collected and processed on-site.
- Injection Procedure
- The PRF or prolotherapy solution is gently injected into precise locations using ultrasound guidance when needed.
- Recovery
- Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours. You may experience mild soreness as your body begins the healing process.
- Results Over Time
- Pain reduction and joint stability typically improve over a few weeks as the tissue regenerates and inflammation subsides.
FAQs About PRF and Prolotherapy
Is regenerative medicine safe?
Yes—PRF uses your own blood, and prolotherapy is a natural, drug-free solution. Side effects are rare and minimal.
How many treatments will I need?
Many patients notice improvement after 1–3 sessions, but this depends on the severity and chronicity of the condition.
Does it hurt?
Most patients report only minor discomfort during the injection. We use gentle techniques and local anesthetic if needed.
Is it covered by insurance?
Because these are regenerative procedures, insurance coverage can vary. We’ll walk you through options and flexible payment plans.
Real Relief Starts with Real Healing
TMJ pain doesn’t have to be a lifelong condition—or something you just “live with.” Regenerative medicine like PRF and prolotherapy offers a natural, effective way to heal the source of the problem, not just mask the symptoms.
If you’re tired of temporary fixes and ready for real relief, our experienced team is here to help.
👉 Request an Appointment to explore how regenerative medicine can help you heal and feel your best again.