The management of refractory pain and limitation of mouth opening in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is both challenging and controversial. Arthrocentesis is a simple technique and it can be used instead of more invasive surgical procedures for patients who failed to conventional conservative treatments. The patients in this case report had complained persistent severe pain and restricted mandibular movement of TMJ, although they had been treated with conservative therapy, e.g., stabilization splint therapy, behavioral therapy, physical therapy, pharmacological therapy. Therefore we employed arthrocentesis for these patients, and they showed significant reduction of pain and improvement of mandibular movement after repetitive arthrocentesis. We recommend arthrocentesis as an effective, minimally invasive technique for patients with continuing severe pain and restricted mobility in the TMJ that is unresponsive to conservative management.