Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is made from your own blood and contains powerful growth factors. When injected into areas of pain or tension, it promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and helps regenerate soft tissue naturally.
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), facial muscle dysfunction, and chronic orofacial pain can deeply affect your daily life. If you’ve been searching for a non-surgical, evidence-based solution to TMJ discomfort, bruxism, or facial tension, El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness is proud to offer two advanced therapies: Botox injections and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy. Under the care of Dr. Rika Prodhan, patients can benefit from a dual-approach treatment that promotes both symptom relief and long-term healing.
TMJ & Orofacial Pain Relief means treatments that manage discomfort and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints the small but powerful hinges that connect your jawbone to your skull. These joints are responsible for movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When something goes wrong with these joints or the surrounding soft tissues, it can cause jaw pain, neck pain, facial pain or even headaches.
Orofacial pain covers a wide range of issues affecting the face, mouth, and jaw. At El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness, we take a whole body approach to TMJ disorders and chronic orofacial pain by finding out what’s causing the discomfort whether it’s jaw clenching, poor sleep, or muscle tension and providing gentle, effective solutions to restore balance and function.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jawbone to your skull and are essential to everyday actions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. Dysfunction in these joints can lead to a wide range of painful symptoms, including:
Clicking or popping in the jaw
Limited ability to open or close the mouth
Muscle spasms and tenderness
Headaches and migraines
Earaches or a sensation of fullness in the ears
Facial pain extending to the neck and shoulders
TMD can arise from several causes, including chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, trauma to the jaw, stress-related tension, or an uneven bite. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, these symptoms can become persistent and severely impact quality of life.
When your jaw joints and facial muscles work in harmony, life is just easier. You can eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile without discomfort. Here are some of the main benefits of getting TMJ & Orofacial Pain Relief in El Dorado Hills:
Treatment helps relieve jaw joint tension, muscle strain, and chronic facial pain so you can enjoy daily life without that nagging ache.
With the right therapy, you’ll notice smoother jaw movements, less stiffness, fewer clicking sounds, and more natural function when opening or closing your mouth
Orofacial pain management can ease muscle tension caused by nighttime teeth grinding or stress-related clenching, improve sleep quality, and reduce anxiety.
Treating TMJ disorders early can prevent unnecessary wear on your temporomandibular joints and avoid the need for more invasive treatments like TMJ surgery later.
We start by understanding your situation. Every patient’s pain pattern is different, so we take the time to listen before we recommend treatment.
Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is widely known for its cosmetic applications, but it is also FDA-approved for various medical conditions, including chronic migraines and muscle-related disorders. In the treatment of TMJ and orofacial pain, Botox works by temporarily relaxing overactive muscles and reducing inflammation, leading to a noticeable decrease in pain and tension.
How Botox Helps with TMJ Dysfunction:
Reduces involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching
Relieves tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles
Decreases frequency and intensity of TMJ-related headaches
Allows damaged joints and tissues to recover by minimizing strain
Botox therapy is safe, fast, and minimally invasive. The procedure is typically completed in under 30 minutes, and most patients report improvement within 3–7 days. Results usually last between 3 to 4 months and can be repeated as needed.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin is an advanced regenerative therapy that uses your body’s own healing factors to accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. A small sample of your blood is spun in a centrifuge to isolate a concentration of platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors. The resulting PRF is then injected into the affected area to encourage natural healing from within.
PRF is especially effective in TMJ and orofacial applications because it:
Stimulates collagen production and tissue regeneration
Enhances circulation and oxygen delivery to inflamed areas
Reduces joint inflammation and promotes mobility
Is 100% natural, with no additives or synthetic substances
Unlike cortisone or steroid injections, PRF therapy is autologous, meaning it uses your own biology to heal your body—reducing the risk of adverse reactions and offering longer-lasting results.
For many patients, the best outcomes are achieved through a combination of Botox and PRF therapy. While Botox provides fast, effective relief by relaxing the muscles contributing to TMJ pain, PRF works in parallel to regenerate tissues and support the joint’s long-term health. Dr. Rika will carefully evaluate your symptoms and medical history to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include both therapies.
In addition to Botox therapy, Dr. Rika may recommend Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) as a natural adjunct to your orofacial pain management. PRF enhances the healing of tissues strained by chronic muscle tension and inflammation. By using your body’s own healing factors, PRF can promote faster recovery and support long-term wellness without relying on synthetic medications.
Dr. Rika Prodhan is a dedicated and highly trained dentist with a passion for helping patients manage chronic facial pain and dysfunction. She regularly pursues advanced education in facial esthetics, functional dentistry, and regenerative medicine to offer the most modern and holistic treatments available. With a gentle, compassionate approach, Dr. Rika takes time to listen to your concerns, educate you about your condition, and tailor treatments to support your total wellness.
At El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness, we believe every patient deserves to live pain-free. Our approach combines advanced dental knowledge with genuine care, helping you regain control of your oral health without unnecessary procedures.
We don’t just treat the symptoms, we find out what’s causing your jaw pain or facial pain to provide targeted relief.
No two patients are the same. Our team designs individualized plans that fit your unique lifestyle and comfort level.
Whenever possible, we focus on non-surgical care, like mouth guards, trigger point injections, or Botox injections to reduce pain and restore function without invasive procedures.
As a local dental wellness center in El Dorado Hills, we’ve helped many patients manage their TMD symptoms and find lasting relief through compassionate, patient-centered care.
Led by Dr. Rika Prodhan-Ashraf, our team is committed to gentle, effective TMJ care focused on long-term comfort.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is made from your own blood and contains powerful growth factors. When injected into areas of pain or tension, it promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and helps regenerate soft tissue naturally.
Yes. PRF is 100% natural and biocompatible since it’s derived from your own blood. There’s minimal risk of allergic reaction, making it an ideal holistic treatment for orofacial pain.
Botox® effects usually last 3 to 4 months, while PRF results can develop more gradually and last longer due to the regenerative healing it promotes. Dr. Rika will recommend a personalized care plan based on your symptoms.
Yes — many patients benefit from a combined approach. Dr. Rika may recommend using both Botox® and PRF therapy to maximize pain relief, reduce inflammation, and support long-term jaw function.
Botox® relaxes the overactive jaw muscles that contribute to clenching, grinding, and TMJ-related tension. It reduces pain, inflammation, and muscle strain — without affecting your ability to speak or chew normally.
As dentists, we often see patients with jaw clicking, jaw pain, or discomfort when chewing or opening their mouth wide. Some also report headaches, neck pain, or soreness around the ears. These may all be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. If the pain persists, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis before the issue worsens. Early TMJ treatment can make a big difference in your recovery.
We start by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical examination of your jaw joints and facial structures. This includes checking for tenderness, muscle strain, and abnormal jaw movement. In some cases, we may use imaging to assess the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). We always try to find out what’s causing the pain so we can offer conservative treatment and avoid unnecessary dental procedures.
Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include oral appliances, muscle relaxants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. We also offer physical therapy, Botox injections, or trigger point injections for myofascial pain. In severe cases where other treatments fail, we may discuss surgical care options or refer you to an oral surgeon for orthognathic surgery. Every step is tailored to your comfort and needs.
Yes, absolutely. Many patients are surprised to find out that TMJ disorders can cause headaches, earaches, poor sleep, or even shoulder and neck pain. These symptoms often stem from muscle tension or stress-related clenching. Since the temporomandibular joints connect to the surrounding facial muscles and nerves, discomfort can spread to nearby areas. Managing the underlying TMJ pain often helps improve these related symptoms.
Results vary depending on the severity of the TMJ disorder and how well you follow your treatment plan. Some experience improvement within a few weeks of wearing an oral appliance or practicing jaw exercises. For chronic orofacial pain, ongoing care may be necessary to achieve lasting comfort. We monitor your progress and adjust treatments to ensure steady improvement and better quality of life.
f you’re ready to find lasting relief from jaw pain, facial tension, or headaches related to TMJ dysfunction, contact us today to schedule a private consultation. We’ll help you explore the benefits of Botox and PRF therapy and determine the right plan for your needs.
Call (916) 933-3011 to request an appointment.
Let us help you rediscover comfort, function, and confidence — naturally.