Liquid PRF Injections for TMJ Relief
Harness Your Body’s Healing Power to Relieve Jaw Pain
Chronic jaw pain and restricted movement can make eating, speaking, and smiling feel like a daily struggle. When the delicate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) becomes inflamed or worn down, the result is often temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)—a condition characterized by jaw stiffness, popping or clicking sounds, headaches, and pain radiating into the neck and shoulders. Traditional therapies such as mouthguards, physical therapy, and medication may offer temporary relief, but they don’t always address the underlying tissue damage. At Post Falls Family & Cosmetic Dental, we’re proud to offer an innovative, regenerative solution: Liquid Platelet‑Rich Fibrin (PRF) injections.
Liquid PRF is a cutting‑edge form of regenerative medicine derived from your own blood. By concentrating platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors into a biologic “super clot,” PRF stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. When injected into the TMJ region, it reduces inflammation, promotes tissue regeneration, and improves joint function. This page explains what liquid PRF is, how the procedure works, and why it’s an effective, evidence‑based option for patients seeking relief from TMJ pain in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum, Hayden, Liberty Lake, and nearby communities. and nearby communities.
TMJ Relief
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Liquid PRF Injections
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TMJ Relief ✳︎ Liquid PRF Injections ✳︎
What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint functions like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. Stress, arthritis, or injury can overstimulate the jaw muscles and pull the joint out of alignment, causing muscle spasms, pain, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, and noises like popping or clicking. Habits such as clenching, grinding (bruxism), or nail biting further strain these muscles. Untreated TMD can lead to chronic pain, headaches, and progressive joint degeneration.
What Is Liquid Platelet‑Rich
Fibrin (PRF)?
Platelet‑Rich Fibrin is a second‑generation platelet concentrate derived from your own blood. Unlike platelet‑rich plasma (PRP), which requires anticoagulants and quickly releases growth factors, PRF forms a fibrin matrix that slowly releases growth factors over time, providing longer‑lasting regenerative benefits. Medical research shows that the PRF network contains greater levels of platelet‑derived growth factors, leukocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells than earlier platelet concentrates. These biologically active proteins accelerate tissue development and support wound healing.
Because PRF uses your own blood, it is biocompatible and carries no risk of disease transmission. It’s produced quickly in the office, and patients avoid the high costs of hospital blood products.
How Is Liquid PRF Prepared?
The preparation process is straightforward and comfortable:
Blood Draw – We take a small blood sample, typically from your arm.
Centrifugation – The sample is spun in a centrifuge at specific speeds to separate red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The resulting liquid contains a high concentration of platelets, growth factors, and leukocytes.
Collection – The liquid PRF is carefully extracted. Because it’s processed without anticoagulants, it forms a fibrin network that gradually releases growth factors.
Injection – Using a thin needle, our dentists inject the PRF directly into the TMJ region or surrounding soft tissues. The biologic scaffold stimulates tissue repair and regeneration.
The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes, and most patients experience minimal discomfort. There’s no need for anesthesia or sedation, although we can provide sedation dentistry upon request.
How PRF Works to Treat TMJ Disorders
When injected into damaged or inflamed tissues, PRF acts as a natural scaffold and reservoir of growth factors. Concentrated platelets release proteins that attract stem cells, promote collagen formation, and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. This reduces inflammation, supports tissue regeneration, and improves joint mobility. Because PRF releases growth factors slowly, its regenerative effects persist longer than traditional PRP.
Evidence‑Based Results
Regenerative therapies are only valuable if they deliver measurable benefits. A prospective clinical study published in 2024 assessed the efficacy of injectable PRF (I‑PRF) for patients with TMJ pain.
Researchers randomized 68 adults with TMJ pain to receive either I‑PRF injections or a placebo. After treatment, the I‑PRF group experienced a significant and sustained reduction in TMJ pain intensity compared to the control group (p<0.001). Jaw function improved at all follow‑up time points, and patient‑reported outcomes related to quality of life and satisfaction increased substantially. The study concluded that I‑PRF is a valuable therapeutic intervention for individuals with TMJ pain.
These findings align with our experience at Post Falls Family & Cosmetic Dental: patients receiving liquid PRF injections report reduced pain, improved range of motion, and fewer joint noises within weeks of treatment.
Benefits of Liquid PRF Injections for TMJ
Choosing PRF therapy offers numerous advantages over conventional treatments:
Natural and biocompatible – Derived from your own blood, PRF carries no risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission.
Promotes tissue regeneration – PRF releases growth factors, leukocytes, and stem cells that support the formation of new bone and cartilage.
Reduces inflammation and pain – PRF injections decrease inflammation and improve mobility.
Improves joint function – Clinical studies show that I‑PRF improves jaw function at multiple follow‑up intervals.
Longer‑lasting than PRP – The fibrin matrix releases growth factors over time, providing longer‑term benefits than platelet‑rich plasma.
Minimally invasive – The procedure uses a simple blood draw and injection; there’s no need for surgery or general anesthesia.
Short recovery time – Patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment. Most report only mild soreness at the injection site.
May reduce reliance on medication or surgery – PRF can be a stand‑alone therapy or complement other treatments, potentially decreasing the need for long‑term medication or invasive procedures.
Quick and affordable – PRF is prepared in under 15 minutes, and because it’s processed in our office, it avoids hospital fees.
Who Is a Candidate for PRF Therapy?
You might benefit from liquid PRF injections if you:
Have persistent TMJ pain, clicking, or limited jaw movement that has not responded to conventional therapies.
Have degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, or inflammatory TMJ conditions.
Prefer a natural, regenerative treatment without synthetic drugs or surgery.
Are in good general health and not pregnant or nursing.
Seek a minimally invasive procedure with minimal downtime.
During your consultation, our dentists will review your medical history, evaluate your jaw function, and determine whether PRF is appropriate. We may also recommend combining PRF with other modalities, such as night guards, physical therapy, or Botox therapy, to achieve optimal results.
What to Expect During
Your PRF Appointment
Our team prioritizes comfort and safety throughout the entire process. Here’s what to expect:
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Both therapies use your blood to promote healing, but PRF releases growth factors more gradually, providing longer‑term benefits. PRF also contains leukocytes and stem cells that further aid tissue regeneration.
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Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function for several months following a single treatment. Because PRF stimulates healing rather than simply masking symptoms, improvements can persist even longer. Some patients require multiple injections spaced a few weeks apart to achieve optimal results.
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Yes. PRF is autologous, meaning it’s created from your own blood, so there’s virtually no risk of immune rejection or disease transmission. Side effects are minimal and usually limited to temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site.
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The number of injections varies based on the severity of your TMJ condition. During your consultation, we’ll develop a personalized plan that may involve one or several sessions.
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Coverage varies by plan. Some insurers recognize PRF as a regenerative therapy for musculoskeletal conditions, while others treat it as an adjunctive procedure. Our team will provide documentation and help you navigate any insurance questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liquid PRF Injections
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We perform a thorough examination, including imaging if necessary, to understand your specific TMJ disorder.
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A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm. We use a local lab for quick processing, ensuring your PRF remains sterile and potent.
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The sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate platelets and growth factors into a liquid form.
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Using guided techniques, we inject the liquid PRF into the TMJ capsule and surrounding tissues. Most patients describe the sensation as a slight pressure rather than pain.
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You can return to normal activities immediately. We may recommend gentle jaw exercises, an anti‑inflammatory diet, and avoiding extreme jaw movements. Follow‑up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and determine if additional injections are needed.
Expertise in Regenerative and Cosmetic Dentistry
Our dentists have advanced training in TMJ disorders, regenerative medicine, and cosmetic procedures. We stay current with emerging therapies, including PRF and Botox, to provide our patients with the most effective, evidence‑based care.
Personalized, Patient‑Centric Care
We believe in listening first. During your consultation, we’ll explore your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals to tailor a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your TMJ pain. Our team will support you throughout the process, from initial evaluation to follow‑up care.
Comfort and Convenience
Our modern clinic at 313 N. Spokane Street combines state‑of‑the‑art technology with a warm, Northwest Lodge–style atmosphere. We offer sedation dentistry for anxious patients and flexible financing options to make care accessible. Our location near the I‑90 freeway serves Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum, Hayden, and Liberty Lake, as well as the greater Spokane area.