Opinion ID: 1583518
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Testimony of Dr. James A. Pearce

Text: Dr. James A. Pearce, a dentist, who specializes in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and orificial pain, testified via video disposition he began treating Ms. Menard on October 31, 2001, for TMJ and last saw her professionally on December 3, 2007, approximately seven months before the beginning of trial. He testified her TMJ condition was caused more probably than not by the accident sued upon, but bruxism or grinding of the teeth is a well-known cause of TMJ. His records noted excessive attrition or wearing of her teeth, which could have probably caused a bruxism condition years before the accident. He further testified she will more probably than not be required to wear a splint for the indefinite future, which splint will have to be replaced, retooled, or resurfaced every five to six years. He estimated the following costs of care: $750 for splints every 5 to 6 years, $100 for retooling, $75 to $100 for yearly doctor visits, and $75 for a Panorex maybe every 5 years. According to his testimony, plaintiff's treatment would require no muscle relaxers or physical therapy, and at the time of trial, she was at maximum medical improvement, stable, and asymptomatic.