The use of prolotherapy in temporomandibular disorders

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES  The search for minimally invasive treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has increased in recent years. Prolotherapy, which uses irritant solutions to induce controlled inflammation and tissue regeneration, has emerged as a promising alternative. This article reviews its mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, application formulas, and clinical outcomes.

CONTENTS  In recent years, research has focused on clinical and minimally invasive treatments for TMD, as well as on determining when and how to apply them effectively. Prolotherapy stands out as a minimally invasive approach that is cost-effective, performed under local anesthesia, replicable, and associated with low morbidity. Its application aims to relieve or eliminate pain and joint dysfunction, making it a promising option in such cases.

CONCLUSION  Prolotherapy, based on the use of dextrose in varying concentrations, has shown encouraging results in the treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), particularly in cases of myofascial pain, joint hypermobility, and disc displacement with reduction. By promoting tissue regeneration and stabilizing the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), this technique offers a less invasive alternative with long-lasting results. However, further studies are essential to standardize treatment protocols and to explore its specific indications and contraindications in more detail.

Keywords:
Temporomandibular joint; Temporomandibular dysfunction; Prolotherapy

HIGHLIGHTS

Prolotherapy with hypertonic glucose is effective in treating myofascial pain, hypermobility, subluxation, and temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction

Prolotherapy stimulates growth factors, promoting connective tissue repair and reducing or eliminating pain

Intra-articular injections are minimally invasive procedures that can be used for temporomandibular disorders that are refractory to even more conservative therapies