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Advances in regenerative procedures have transformed the way TMJ disorders can be treated. Instead of traditional methods such as massage, physio, muscle relaxants, steroids, regenerative treatments can be used in conjunction with arthroscopic surgery. Regenerative treatments in all joint procedures have been shown to help speed recovery and to improve the effectiveness of arthroscopic procedures. It can also be used to improve the symptoms of damaged joints.
Regenerative procedures for TMJ disorder work by enhancing and concentrating the natural substances in the body reducing pain and inflammation. They harness the body’s natural ability for self-repair by re-implanting growth-promoting cells taken from elsewhere in the patient’s body to stimulate healing in the jaw joint.
Regenerative procedures can also be used to:
At the London TMJ Clinic, we are proud to pioneer regenerative treatments, using these advanced techniques to help our patients achieve the best possible results.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) involves extracting platelets from a sample of your own blood and re-injecting these into the damaged jaw joint to encourage cell repair and regeneration.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses stem cells harvested from your bone marrow to promote healing in your damaged jaw. The treatment accelerates the body’s natural ability to repair and regenerate itself.
Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue Therapy (MAFTT) is a mesenchymal stem cell therapy where small amounts of fatty (adipose) tissue are taken from areas of the body, such as the stomach or thighs and used to stimulate healing.
If you are a suitable candidate for a regenerative procedure to help your TMJ disorder, we will discuss the procedure with you in detail, helping you understand the process and giving you a chance to ask any questions. Each procedure is slightly different, as detailed below:
Initially, a small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. This is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the PRP from the rest of your blood.
We prepare your jaw for treatment and inject the PRP directly into it using a fine needle. The solution will then spread to all parts of the joint to begin the regeneration process.
PRP treatment takes around 20 minutes in total, and you can return to your normal routines immediately after the procedure. To see the maximum benefits and improvements to your TMJ disorder, a course of three injections is recommended.
While you are under local anaesthetic to minimise your discomfort, bone marrow, the spongy tissue in the middle of bones, is taken from your pelvic bone using a needle and syringe. The bone marrow is then separated into its component parts using a centrifuge.
The plasma, which carries essential proteins, is reduced to a General Fluid Concentrate (GMC). The bone marrow contains mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) and is turned into the Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC).
The GMC and BMAC are given as separate injections, accurately administered into your damaged jaw joint using local anaesthetic. The procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t need a lengthy recovery time, reducing any risk factors.
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Regenerative procedures for TMJ disorders use products taken from the patient’s own body, meaning they are entirely compatible with you. The stimulation of regenerative cells creates a healing response, limiting downtime after the procedure and reducing the risk of any side effects. The minimally invasive procedures don’t require any major incisions and are completely safe and trusted.
We use local anaesthetic during all regenerative procedures, to make sure you remain comfortable and to minimise any pain. If you are concerned about pain, we are happy to discuss this in more detail with you, including the possibility of using sedation if necessary.
The risk factors for AMPP®, PRP and BMAC for the jaw are low, as the fat, platelets and bone marrow are taken from your own body. The minimally invasive nature of the procedures, with no major incisions or lengthy recovery times, further reduces the risks.
Innovative regenerative procedures have already been used by orthopaedic surgeons as an alternative to invasive surgery or steroid injections to promote healing in the major joints of the body, such as the hip, knee and shoulder. As an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Luke Cascarini has pioneered the application of these regenerative treatments for TMJ disorders in partnership with The Regenerative Clinic.
If you would like to discuss treatment, book a consultation or just have a general enquiry, please get in touch.
Referrals from GDPs, GPs and consultants are welcome. Please use this form if you wish to discuss a case prior to referral.
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