In our continuing series on the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), over the next few weeks, we will consider TMJ/TMD from three different perspectives: the Patient’s, the Doctor’s and the Insurance Company’s.
As we have examined through our series of articles on TMJ/TMD, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a painful and progressive condition in which joint inflammation eats away at the cushioning, and sometimes the bone surrounding the Temporomandibular Joint.
As the above video reveals, however, many people with undiagnosed TMJ/TMD don’t understand why they are having so much pain – in areas other than their jaw – which can lead to frustration with family and friends who don’t quite understand what they are going through.
According to the National Center for Research, 35 million Americans suffer from TMJ problems. More women are affected by it than men.
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.
Dr. Urbanek’s ExplainMyPain device is a medical device, not a dental device. 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 last week’s article about 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 TMJ/TMD from the doctor’s point of view.
