In this collection · TMJ & Jaw Pain

TMJ & Jaw Pain

TMJ Joint Injections & PRF

Targeted care, considered carefully.

PRF — platelet-rich fibrin — is prepared from a small sample of your own blood, concentrated to retain platelets and growth factors. For selected patients, a joint injection or PRF may be discussed after conservative care. It is not where treatment starts, and it is not a cure.

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Clinical diagram of PRF — platelet-rich fibrin prepared from a small sample of the patient’s own blood

Using your body's own blood components

What is a PRF joint injection?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is processed in our office to concentrate platelets, fibrin and naturally occurring signaling proteins and growth factors. The resulting injectable PRF can then be placed into the temporomandibular joint when clinically appropriate.

In TMJ care, PRF may be considered for certain painful or inflammatory joint conditions as part of a larger conservative treatment plan. Research suggests platelet concentrates such as PRF and PRP may help reduce pain and improve jaw function in appropriately selected patients, although individual results vary and research continues to evolve.

PRF, plainly

Prepared from your own blood sample.

What PRF is

A concentrate prepared from a small sample of your own blood
Processed in our office and used the same visit
Used with the goal of supporting the body’s own healing processes
Discussed as one possible component of care for selected patients
Explained fully before anything is agreed to

What PRF is not

Not a way to regrow cartilage
Not joint regeneration
Not a stem cell treatment
Not a cure for a TMJ disorder
Not a guaranteed result — responses vary, and some patients notice little change

How PRF is prepared

A short, in-office process.

Nothing is brought in from outside your own body. Details specific to your care are discussed with you in person.

01
A small blood sample is drawn
02
It is processed in our office
03
A concentrate is prepared

A clinician in scrubs talking with a patient in the office about the PRF process

Why we often prefer PRF

Several injection options. One individualized decision.

PRF

Prepared from the patient's own blood and contains platelets within a fibrin matrix along with naturally occurring signaling proteins. When appropriate, this is our preferred biologic joint-injection option.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid may be used as an intra-articular option to support joint lubrication and movement in selected cases.

Corticosteroid

A corticosteroid injection may be considered when reducing joint inflammation is the primary short-term goal. It is not our default choice for every patient.

Lidocaine

Local anesthetic may be used in selected situations for anesthesia or short-term pain relief and may be incorporated into care depending on the procedure and clinical objective.

No single injection is right for every TMJ problem. The type of injection recommended depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, joint condition, medical history and goals of treatment.

Before your appointment

A little preparation can make the visit easier.

Hydrate well

PRF requires a blood draw, so arrive well hydrated. Drink plenty of water beginning the day before your appointment and continue drinking water the morning of your visit unless another healthcare provider has instructed you to restrict fluids.

Eat normally

Unless you have specifically been instructed otherwise, eat a normal meal before your appointment. PRF joint injections generally do not require fasting.

Tell us about medications and supplements

Make sure we have an accurate list of your medications, supplements, allergies and relevant medical conditions.

Plan for a lighter day

Most patients can return to normal daily activities, but the jaw or injection area may be temporarily sore. Avoid scheduling unusually strenuous activity immediately afterward when possible.

Most important preparation: come well hydrated.

A woman reviewing notes and preparing questions before a PRF appointment

Do not independently stop prescribed medication

If you take blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication or other medications that may affect bleeding or platelet function, discuss them with our office and the prescribing healthcare provider. Do not stop a prescribed medication solely for this procedure unless specifically instructed by the appropriate clinician.

The appointment

From blood draw to joint injection.

01
Evaluation
We review your symptoms and joint findings and confirm that an injection is appropriate for your particular TMJ condition.
02
Blood draw
A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, similar to a routine blood draw.
03
PRF preparation
Your blood is immediately processed in a centrifuge using our PRF protocol. This separates and concentrates the portion we want to use for treatment.
04
Joint injection
The treatment area is prepared and the PRF is carefully injected into the TMJ. Local anesthetic may be used when appropriate.

Treatment may involve one or both joints depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan.

After the injection

What should I expect afterward?

Temporary soreness, pressure, tenderness or a feeling of fullness around the treated joint can occur after an injection. Some patients may temporarily notice that the jaw feels different as the local anesthetic wears off or as the joint responds to the procedure.

Mild swelling or bruising can also occur around the injection or blood-draw site.

Improvement, when it occurs, is not necessarily immediate. PRF is not intended to function simply as a numbing injection, and response varies from patient to patient.

Post-treatment care

Give the joint a little room to recover.

Take it easy on the jaw

For the remainder of the day, avoid unnecessarily strenuous jaw activity. Choose foods that are comfortable to chew and avoid prolonged gum chewing, very chewy foods or intentionally testing how far you can open.

Gentle movement is okay

Normal comfortable jaw movement is generally appropriate unless the doctor gives you different instructions. Do not force stretching or aggressive jaw exercises immediately after treatment.

Stay hydrated

Continue drinking water normally after the procedure.

Follow your individualized medication instructions

Because PRF relies on the body's inflammatory and healing response, our office may provide specific recommendations regarding anti-inflammatory medications after treatment. Follow the instructions given specifically to you rather than starting or stopping medication on your own.

Continue your broader TMJ plan

A joint injection is often only one component of treatment. Continue your prescribed orthotic/splint use, exercises, physical or manual therapy, laser/PBM, or other recommended care unless instructed otherwise.

A patient smiling while calling the Alpine Airway Wellness office

When should I call?

Please contact our office if you have concerns after treatment.

Seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as:

rapidly increasing or severe swelling
significant or persistent bleeding
fever or signs of infection
difficulty breathing or swallowing
a significant allergic-type reaction
new or concerning neurologic symptoms
severe or rapidly worsening pain
any symptom that feels unusual or concerning

Expected mild soreness is different from severe or progressively worsening symptoms.

Treating the joint is not always the same as treating the whole problem.

TMJ symptoms can involve the joint itself, muscles, bite and jaw position, oral function, head and neck mechanics, habits, airway and sleep. A joint injection may help address an intra-articular component, but it does not automatically address every factor contributing to someone's symptoms.

At Alpine Airway Wellness, joint injections may be combined with other conservative treatments when appropriate, including:

TMJ orthotics/splints
photobiomodulation or laser therapy
cranial/manual therapy
exercises or functional therapy
EMFACE for selected muscular concerns

Why it may be considered

When the joint is part of the picture.

Persistent joint-area discomfort after conservative care
Symptoms that have not responded to orthotic therapy alone
Findings that point to the joint rather than muscle alone
A preference for exploring options before considering surgical referral
A situation where a trial of something targeted is clinically reasonable

Who it is not for

Where this is the wrong answer.

Anyone who has not been properly evaluated
Patients whose findings point primarily to muscle rather than joint
Patients who have not yet tried appropriate conservative care
Certain medical conditions or medications, assessed individually
Anyone expecting regeneration, permanence or a guarantee

Combination care

One component, not the whole plan.

TMJ Orthotics & Splints

Where jaw position and load are part of the picture, orthotic care often continues alongside anything else.

Explore TMJ Orthotics & Splints →

Laser & PBM Therapy

A low-level, non-cutting therapy considered for selected patients where comfort is the goal.

Explore Laser & PBM Therapy →

Cranial & Manual Therapy

Gentle hands-on work for jaw, head and neck tension, considered for selected patients.

Explore Cranial & Manual Therapy →

EMFACE for TMJ

Muscle conditioning discussed in a functional rather than aesthetic context.

Explore EMFACE for TMJ →

Working with others

Referral to other specialists as needed

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Where findings suggest surgical evaluation, referral is the appropriate step rather than persistence.

Physicians

Pain, inflammatory and systemic conditions sometimes belong in a medical conversation.

Physical and manual therapists

Neck, posture and whole-body movement often influence how the jaw behaves.

The process

How care actually proceeds.

01
Evaluation
Joint, muscles, movement and history reviewed. Nothing is recommended before this.
02
A candid conversation
Whether an injection is reasonable for you, what it may and may not do, and what else is on the table.
03
Consent and planning
Details, considerations and any risks are discussed with the doctor before you decide anything.
04
Treatment
Performed in our Alpine office. Specifics of your care and aftercare are given to you directly.
05
Reassessment
An honest review of what changed. If it did not help, we say so and reconsider the plan.

A short note on sleep

Nighttime jaw activity has context.

For some patients, jaw load at night sits alongside sleep and breathing patterns. Where that seems relevant, it is worth understanding before assuming the joint alone explains everything. Adult sleep & airway care covers that side of the picture.

Questions

Questions about joint injections & PRF.

What is PRF?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. It concentrates platelets, fibrin, and naturally occurring growth factors that may support the body’s healing response when injected into the TMJ.

Is an injection the first thing you would try?

Usually not. We take a conservative-first approach and consider the joint, muscles, bite and jaw position, oral function, sleep, and other contributing factors before deciding whether an injection is appropriate.

How do I know if I am a candidate?

That depends on your symptoms, examination, joint findings, medical history, and previous treatment. An evaluation helps us determine whether the joint itself appears to be contributing to your symptoms and whether an injection may be beneficial.

What exactly happens during the procedure?

For PRF, we draw a small amount of blood and process it in a centrifuge to prepare the injectable PRF. The TMJ area is then prepared and the PRF is carefully injected into the joint. One or both joints may be treated depending on your needs.

What is recovery like?

Temporary soreness, pressure, fullness, mild swelling, or tenderness around the joint can occur afterward. We generally recommend taking it easy on the jaw initially and following the individualized post-treatment instructions provided at your visit.

How many treatments will I need?

It varies. Some patients may need only one injection, while others may benefit from additional treatment depending on the condition of the joint and how they respond.

How soon might I notice a difference?

Response varies, and PRF is not intended to provide instant pain relief. When improvement occurs, it may develop gradually as the joint responds to treatment.

Are there risks with a TMJ joint injection?

PRF is prepared from your own blood, which avoids exposure to donor material, but any injection has potential risks such as soreness, bruising, bleeding, infection, or temporary worsening of symptoms. We review your medical history and individual risks before treatment.

Do I keep using my orthotic?

Usually, yes. A joint injection is often one part of a broader TMJ treatment plan. We will let you know if your orthotic use or other therapies should be modified after the procedure.

Will insurance cover it?

Coverage varies significantly by insurance plan and procedure. Our office can help you understand the fees and any billing options, but insurance coverage cannot be guaranteed.

What if it does not help?

Then we say so and reconsider, which may include referral. Persisting with something that is not working is not a plan.

How do I start?

Start with a TMJ evaluation. We’ll assess your joints, muscles, jaw function, symptoms, and other contributing factors before discussing whether PRF or another treatment makes sense for you.

Is PRF the same as PRP?

No. Both are prepared from your own blood, but they are processed differently and have different compositions. PRF incorporates platelets and naturally occurring signaling proteins within a fibrin matrix.

Why do I need to hydrate before PRF?

PRF begins with a blood draw, and being well hydrated can make collecting the blood easier. Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of your appointment unless you have been medically instructed to restrict fluids.

Do I need to fast?

Usually not. Unless we give you different instructions, eat normally before your appointment and arrive well hydrated.

Can I drive myself home?

Generally, yes, if only local treatment is used and you have not received a sedating medication. We will let you know beforehand if your specific procedure requires different arrangements.

Are there alternatives to PRF?

Yes. Depending on your joint condition and treatment goals, other injection options may include hyaluronic acid, corticosteroid, or lidocaine. We generally prefer PRF when appropriate, but the best option depends on the individual patient.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Brittany Johansen. This page is general education, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan.

We see patients at our Alpine, Utah office, including families from Highland, Cedar Hills, American Fork, Lehi and across Utah County.

Start with an evaluation

A consultation in Alpine, Utah gives you a clear read on what is driving your jaw symptoms — and whether an injection belongs in your plan at all.

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