TMJ Treatment Center in Suffolk, VA

REGENERATIVE TMD SOLUTIONS

What is PRF?

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a powerful and versatile medical treatment that has been gaining popularity over the past few years. It is a form of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), which uses platelets from the patient’s blood to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. In PRF, those platelets are suspended in a fibrin scaffold, creating a highly concentrated gel-like substance that can then be injected directly into damaged joints or tissue. The concentrated platelets in PRF contain healing and growth factors that prompt cells to regenerate and repair damaged tissue. Once injected into a joint or area of injury, these growth factors activate a cascade of reactions in the body, such as stimulating collagen production, regenerating bone and cartilage, releasing anti-inflammatory cytokines, increasing blood flow to the site of injury, and more. As a result of this process, new healthy tissue is formed, which helps speed up recovery time and decrease pain.

How Effective is PRF?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has shown promising results in repairing damaged joints. According to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, PRF injections significantly improved pain and function scores in patients with knee osteoarthritis after one year of follow-up (https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-019-1372-4). Another study published in the Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents found that PRF injections improved shoulder mobility and reduced pain in patients with rotator cuff tears (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30829420/). Additionally, another study found that PRF injections were effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35679902/).

What can I expect when getting PRF treatment for TMD?

When undergoing a PRF treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), patients can expect the procedure to be quick and simple. The first step is to draw 1-3 vials of the patient's blood, typically drawn from the arm. The vials are then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the red blood cells. The platelets are then collected and used for the injection into the TMJ. Generally, one injection of the PRF is enough to provide relief from symptoms such as pain, inflammation, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Patients may experience some soreness at the site for a few days following the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly with rest and ice/heat therapy.

What are the Benefits of PRF?

PRF is still on the cutting edge of regenerative therapies and has numerous benefits for patients experiencing TMJ disorders. The benefits of PRF treatments include:

Reduced swelling/inflammation
Faster recovery time
Improved joint mobility and function
Reduced pain Increased collagen production
Regeneration of bone and cartilage
Enhanced blood supply to the affected area

Additionally, since it is a non-surgical approach using body’s own platelets instead of foreign particles or chemicals, there are no added risks associated with PRF compared to traditional treatments such as corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Are there any Side Effects?

PRF treatments, while generally safe and effective, do have some potential side effects. In some cases, patients may experience mild pain at the injection site for several days after the treatment. Other rare side effects may include infection, bruising, tenderness at the injection site, or allergic reactions to certain components of the PRF infusion.

At the Center for Sleep & TMJ we mitigate these risks through advanced training and skill. Dr. Brian Briesemeister is highly trained, having administered thousands of injections throughout his career as a general dentist, and knows how to avoid bruising and tenderness. Additionally, our PRF is derived from our patient's blood, with no additives, making it impossible for the patient to have an allergic reaction.

At the Center for Sleep and TMJ, our highly skilled team is committed to providing personalized care that takes into account each patient’s individual needs. We strive to provide exceptional care that not only meets but exceeds our patients’ expectations. Our team is dedicated to providing the most advanced treatments available while maximizing comfort levels during treatment. If you have any questions regarding PRF or its benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us today! We look forward to helping you achieve optimum health and wellness!