Over the past two weeks, we have examined Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) from both the patient’s point of view and the doctor’s point of view. In our continuing series, this week we will consider this disorder from the insurance company’s perspective.
Insurance companies find it difficult to understand why there are so many conflicting doctors opinions about TMJ/TMD. It’s also much cheaper to approve costs for a pill for than to have TMJ/TMD surgery, as Dr. Urbanek describes in the video above.
As we discussed last week, physicians and dentists both find the pain associated with TMJ/TMD confusing, which is why it’s important to seek treatment from a an oral surgeon.
Dr. Tony Urbanek, a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, has been specializing in the treatment of TMJ/TMD for more than 30 years. Dr. Urbanek has developed an innovative, non-surgical treatment for TMJ sufferers called the ExplainMyPain medical device (patent pending), which is a splint that’s designed to take the pressure off the back teeth, and off the Temporomandibular Joint. The back teeth are the areas where stress, damage and inflammation to the Temporomandibular Joint occur.
It’s important to note that Dr. Urbanek’s ExplainMyPain device is a medical device, not a dental device. It’s a splint that looks similar in style to a retainer. It’s custom made, comfortable and discreet. Made of non-porous acrylic, the ExplainMyPain device only allows only the front teeth to touch, leaving a small space between the back teeth. By creating this space, the patient is no longer able to put pressure on the joint, which allows the inflammation in the TMJ to recede.
Initially worn 24/7, as pain relief is achieved over time, the patient may begin to wear the device only at night, while sleeping. To see more about Dr. Urbanek’s ExplainMyPain device, click here.
According to Dr. Urbanek, of the 1,000 patients who have used his ExplainMyPain device, on average, 70 percent of them say their TMJ symptoms are gone within the first three weeks; while 96 percent say their symptoms are gone after four months.
Click here to see how Dr. Urbanek’s ExplainMyPain Device differs from a regular splint.
Dr. Urbanek’s offices are located in Franklin, TN.
Look for next week’s article when we discuss how Dr. Urbanek’s non-surgical treatment for TMJ/TMD works.
