Most people are not highly aware of how common Temporal Mandibular Jaw Dysfunction (TMD) can be, but a number of celebrities have popped out of the woodwork noting TMD as the source of their head, neck and jaw pains. According to the National Institute for Health, up to 30% of adults have experienced orofacial pain lasting longer than one month. Dr. Martin Abelar has had the distinction of teaching on the subject of TMD at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies when he is not practicing here at our office in San Diego.
Orofacial pain (in English, pain in the face and mouth) is most commonly caused by an improper alignment of the temporal mandibular joint (TMJ), which can also influence ear pain, neck and shoulder pain, and overall posture. Poor alignment of the TMJ creates a domino effect of joints that touch each other all the way down the spine and upwards into the sinus cavities and back of the head.
If you are experiencing TMJ pain, you are in the company of such outspoken celebrities as Burt Reynolds, Iggy Azalea, LeAnn Rimes, Rebecca Russo, among others. The good news is that we can help.
Using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy, we can relax and loosen the muscles in the face, neck and throat to provide temporary relief, and employ 3D computer modeling to determine the ideal bite position to alleviate these problems in their entirety. After administering TENS therapy to relax and position the muscles appropriately, we can place a customized orthotic to train the jaw to stay in its ideal position.
For more information about TMD or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office at (858) 866-9692.
