Dr. Tortland's treatment options: The pain source may be the jaw joint, its ligaments and capsule, the chewing muscles, or the upper neck. Dr. Tortland first sorts out which, and may send you to a dentist or oral surgeon instead. Evidence for injections in TMJ disorders is limited and results vary.
- PRP for the jaw joint and its ligaments: made in the office from your own blood at a high concentration and placed around the TMJ by Dr. Tortland under live ultrasound. May be an option for pain that lasts after conservative care.
- Prolotherapy or Prolozone for loose jaw joint ligaments: aimed at lax ligaments that let the joint move too much, in selected patients. Live ultrasound guides the injection. Research is limited, and he coordinates with your dentist.
- PRP for neck contributors: the jaw and upper neck share muscles and nerves. When exam finds painful upper neck facet joints or loose neck ligaments, those can be treated with PRP or prolotherapy as well.
Physical therapy and traditional care: Initial care commonly includes a soft diet during flares, avoiding gum and clenching, jaw focused physical therapy, relaxation or habit strategies, and a dentist fitted stabilization splint when appropriate. Medication choices should be reviewed with a clinician.
When other care may be needed: Persistent locking, limited opening, major bite changes, swelling, or symptoms that do not fit a musculoskeletal pattern warrant dental, oral maxillofacial, or other specialist evaluation. Get prompt care if the jaw suddenly will not open or close, or facial swelling comes with fever.
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