Orofacial Pain (TMD / TMJ)
Contact Us
General Contact Form
For Patients
Head and Face Pain / Facial Neuralgia TMJ Pain / Orthopedic Dysfunction/ Primary Headaches /Migraines
Musculoskeletal Pain
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Diego we understand the complexities of orofacial pain that are unique to each patient. Some patients experience TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) pain and dysfunctions (TMD), some experience primary headaches (known as migraines, tension and cluster) while others may have facial neuralgias, musculoskeletal pain or a combination of all. TMJ pain is one of the conditions most frequently identified by patients. This is a very real condition caused by disturbances in the action of the jaw. Research has shown that many factors may lead to this disorder – it can occur by itself or be a part of a more complex problem. We believe that there is usually more than one factor responsible. Causes may include macro traumas: automobile accident, sports injury, accidental falls etc. or micro traumas: clenching and grinding of the teeth (bruxism), which causes the muscles that stabilize the joint to become fatigued from overwork resulting in head, face, jaw and muscle pain.
Often the jaw problems, head and facial pain, headaches, migraines and musculoskeletal pain are symptoms of a greater problem affecting the body, much like a fever is secondary to the common flu. In the absence of an acute injury to the head or facial area, we believe the primary cause of these problems is frequently related to insufficient oxygen while sleeping i.e. an unidentified sleep breathing disorder, sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Everyone assumes they are breathing and getting enough oxygen during sleep; few recognize that nighttime teeth grinding and clenching (bruxing) is an unconscious effort to prevent suffocation. This repeated action all night long, over extended periods of time, wears down the skeletal structure and the joints resulting in TMJ pain, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, TMJ dysfunctions and facial neuralgias.
Orofacial Pain Services
Proper diagnosis and emphasis on origin rather than symptoms alone is key to successful, long term treatment results. After proper diagnosis, a specific non-surgical, treatment plan for rehabilitation is developed for the unique needs of each individual patient.
Orofacial Pain for Adults (TMD/TMJ)
Facial pain, headaches and jaw problems are frequently only a symptom secondary to a greater problem affecting the body, much like a fever is secondary to the common flu.
OROFACIAL PAIN SERVICES FOR ADULTS – MAY INCLUDE 1 OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Comprehensive diagnostics
- Non-surgical treatment plan for rehabilitation
- Decompression appliance therapy (short term wear of custom orthopedic oral orthotics – not splints)
- Nutritional counseling
- Medication and supplement regimens
- Physical medicine treatment (Laser therapy, trigger points, prolo therapy, phonophoresis)
- Multi-discipline Referral Coordination
Proper diagnosis and emphasis on origin rather than symptoms alone is key to successful, long term treatment results. After proper diagnosis, a specific non-surgical, treatment plan for rehabilitation is developed for the unique needs of each individual patient.
SYMPTOMS
- Headaches – recurring or chronic
- Earache or ear symptoms of stuffiness or ringing
- Neck Pain or Stiffness
- Facial Pain
- Jaw joint sounds – clicking, popping or grating
- Limited ability to open or close mouth
- Jaw locking (opened or closed)
- Sensitive, loose or worn down teeth
- Pain or soreness in the TM joints
- Dizziness or Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Pain behind the eyes
- Extreme sensitivity to light
Orofacial Pain for Children (TMD/TMJ)
The good news with children is that they are still in developmental stage and the earlier the problem is diagnosed and treated the better the results!
OROFACIAL PAIN SERVICES FOR CHILDREN – MAY INCLUDE 1 OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Comprehensive diagnostics
- Non-surgical treatment plan for rehabilitation
- Nutritional counseling
- Supplement regimens
- Physical medicine treatment (Laser therapy, phonophoresis)
- Multi-discipline Referral Coordination
Orofacial pain, although most commonly thought of as a disorder affecting only adults, can present in children at an early age. It may be milder or it may simply seem milder because unlike adult onset conditions, these young children have always had symptoms of jaw pain and headaches or difficulty in normal functions of opening, chewing, swallowing, speaking and communications. As sad as it sounds, they know no difference and assume pain and/or difficulties with function are normal and what everyone experiences. Unfortunately, if undiagnosed and left untreated, the symptoms and condition increase with age.
SYMPTOMS
- Headaches – recurring or chronic
- Earache or ear symptoms of stuffiness or ringing
- Neck Pain or Stiffness
- Facial Pain
- Jaw joint sounds – clicking, popping or grating
- Limited ability to open or close mouth
- Jaw locking (opened or closed)
- Sensitive, loose or worn down teeth
- Pain or soreness in the TM joints
- Dizziness or Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Extreme sensitivity to light
- ADHD
- Bed wetting
Learn more about what our patients have to say
about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Diego
jody riley2024-01-25Excellent care!! !!!I feel so much better !! Thank you!!!Mary Prendergast2024-01-17I have been seeing the specialists at La Mesa's TMJ Centre since the mid-1990s when my dentist referred me to Dr. Smith. I am utterly please with the care. My headaches, jaw pain have majorly improved. I feel comfortable and confident in their care and am faithful wearing my appliances. Dr. Smith has retired and the new doctor has the same caring attitude.Brittany Gasner2024-01-09Such a beautiful office, comforting, always welcomed with smiling faces. LOVE coming in weekly for my tmj therapy with Kylee, she is so knowledgeable and listens to my needs as a patient. Great team here! Thanks Dr.Brad and crew!Renee Wilkinson2024-01-06Wonderful staff. Clean and stylish lobby with very knowledgeable team. Genuinely cares for their patients and anyone that is there to consult with a professional on their issues. Victoria was exceptional and the doctor made me feel comfortable as I have high anxiety going to dentists/doctors.Andrew Cross, II2023-11-10TMJ is always friendly and very helpful. They are more concerned about “YOU” as a patient and your health, than getting you in and out quickly!Barbara Blaney2023-11-10Doctors are smart, respectful and actually listen to patient needs. Supported by an amazing team of women, from the front desk to behind the scenes, who deal with patients in a kind,considerate way that is not often found at most dr's offices today.Anthony Delgado2023-10-30I recently went thru treatment for some jaw pain and popping, and had great results! I didn't have a referral at first but I was looking around online to see if I could find a professional to check out the problems I was having. You start off with a consultation and go thru several exams and testing which I felt were comprehensive and convinced me to pursue the 3 month treatment. The downside is that insurance may not cover the visits and treatment regiment, but it was definitely worth the money. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for TMJ treatment. The staff and doctor are also very friendly and knowledgeablem s2023-10-14Dr Sainsbury, Victoria, THANK YOU! As a fellow colleague who found herself in urgent need of help with her child, I cannot express enough gratitude or say enough about this office's mission and compassion! Although Dr Sainsbury doesn't usually see patients on Fridays, after Victoria relayed my story to him, he offered to come to the office to see my child and help in any way he could. And that he did! Dr Sainsbury was personable, clearly very knowledgeable and clear on his diagnosis and recommendations. He helped put my teen at ease immediately. Although in this case the diagnosis did not fall squarely into the TMJ realm, the attitude was not one of "sorry can't help you, bye" as is a little too often in healthcare. Dr Sainsbury clearly had a deep understanding of not only his field but the associated fields. He was sympathetic and offered pain relief services as well as take home products, self care advice and suggestions as to next steps. Everything a patient in pain (or parent of one!) would hope to find in their treating clinician! Willing and able to help! Thank you!Google rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 51 reviews