Dr. Bradley Eli, DMD, MS
Board-Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist & Sleep Medicine Expert specializing in diagnosing and treating complex orofacial pain and sleep-disordered breathing.
- Limited spots. Early booking advised.
“Dr Eli is the first doctor in two years who was able to identify the cause of my “tension headache” and face and neck pain symptoms… I finally feel there is hope for recovery, and believe I am now on that path!”
“Dr. Eli has an understanding that not all bodies follow the typical medical textbook, and instead of making you feel forgotten you will finally feel seen and heard. Thank you Dr. Eli!”
“I’ve been coming here for years to manage my TMJ pain/symptoms…I was initially skeptical…but the difference is night and day with pain. Highly recommend Dr. Eli and his team for TMJ treatment.”
“I am so grateful for Dr Eli…after years of suffering with the worst TMJ and going to multiple places, I have finally found someone who can actually help! Thank you so much.”
“I have been a patient of Dr. Eli and Dr. Sachi for years. They have been extremely helpful in managing my neck and jaw pain. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is experiencing facial pain.”
“I came to Dr. Bradley Eli after a 40+ year TMJ issue, which had worsened. He made (2) lower splints, which I wear during the day and at night. Along with Physical Therapy ordered by my Family & Sports Medicine physician, Dr Eli’s treatments have worked.”
- Parking is available
- Mon-Thu: 8am-5pm
- Fri: 8am-12pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
Signs You May Need an Orofacial Pain Specialist
Facial pain can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re waking up exhausted and battling daily discomfort. But you don’t have to live with pain as your new normal.
With the right care, peace and comfort are possible.
If you’ve been experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consult an orofacial pain specialist.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Persistent jaw pain or stiffness.
- Clicking, popping, or locking sensations in the jaw.
- Tenderness or pressure in the cheeks, temples, or around the ears.
- Frequent headaches or migraines that radiate from the jaw or neck.
- Sharp, electric-like facial pain triggered by touch or movement.
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or yawning comfortably.
Recent posts by Dr. Eli
Signs You May Need an Orofacial Pain Specialist
Facial pain can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re waking up exhausted and battling daily discomfort. But you don’t have to live with pain as your new normal.
With the right care, peace and comfort are possible.
If you’ve been experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consult an orofacial pain specialist.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Persistent jaw pain or stiffness.
- Clicking, popping, or locking sensations in the jaw.
- Tenderness or pressure in the cheeks, temples, or around the ears.
- Frequent headaches or migraines that radiate from the jaw or neck.
- Sharp, electric-like facial pain triggered by touch or movement.
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or yawning comfortably.
Leading Relief Through Precision Pain Management
An orofacial pain specialist focuses on the real source of head, neck, and facial pain, using evidence-based treatments to pinpoint the cause and deliver lasting relief, often where other approaches have failed.
As a board-certified orofacial pain specialist, Dr. Eli treats a wide range of complex conditions.
Common Conditions:
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: Sharp, electric shock-like facial pain triggered by everyday activities.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS): Chronic muscle pain causing tension, headaches, and jaw tightness.
- Chronic Headaches & Migraine-Related Facial Pain: Pain that originates or spreads to the face from headache conditions.
About Dr. Eli
Dr. Bradley Eli, DMD, MS, is a nationally recognized leader in orofacial pain and sleep medicine. With over 2 decades of specialized experience, he has helped thousands of patients find relief from chronic head, jaw, and facial pain.
A graduate of Temple University and UCLA’s pioneering Orofacial Pain program, Dr. Eli blends clinical excellence with a passion for innovation.
He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, developed patented treatment tools like the QuickSplint®, and leads education through his nonprofit, the Continuing Education Alliance.
As founder of Facial Pain Specialists—with clinics in San Diego, Encinitas, and Los Angeles—Dr. Eli provides precise, patient-specific care using therapies grounded in science and delivered with compassion.
Personal History
| Basic Information | Details |
|---|---|
| State Medical License | California DDS36308 |
| Physician NPI Number | 1962533919 |
| Licensure | 1987: National Board of Dentistry 1987: Northeast Regional Board of Dentistry 1987: Pennsylvania State Dental License 1987: New Jersey State Dental License 1988: California State Dental License |
| Board Certifications | Dentist – Pain Medicine |
| Business Address | Dr. Brad Eli, DMD MS, Facial Pain Specialists Additional Business Addresses: Dr. Brad Eli, DMD MS, Facial Pain Specialists 11980 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 811 Dr. Brad Eli, DMD MS, Facial Pain Specialists |
| Phone | (844) 235-9881 (760) 436-6365 (760) 436-4062 |
| Clinic Address | Facial Pain Specialists 4403 Manchester Avenue #101, Encinitas, CA 92024 |
Dr. Eli’s Formal Education
| Type | Years | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | July 2001 – June 2002 | Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA |
| Dental School | 1984-1987 | Temple University School of Dentistry, Philadelphia, PA, Graduating Class PresidentMN |
| Post Doctorate | 1990-1992 | Oral Biology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA |
| Residency | 1990-1992 | Residency in Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA |
Degrees & Certifications
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Degree: D.M.D. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 1992, M.S. Oral Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA |
| 1992 | M.S. Oral Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA |
| 1993-present | Diplomate: American Board of Orofacial Pain |
| 2000 | Diplomate: American Sleep and Breathing Academy |
Memberships
| Year(s) | Entity |
|---|---|
| 1987-present | American Dental Association |
| 2000-present | American Academy of Sleep Medicine |
| 1992-present | American Association of Orofacial Pain |
| 2000-present | Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine |
| 2023-present | Academy of Sports Dentistry, American Headache Society |
Academic Positions Held by Dr. Brad Eli
| Year(s) | Professional Title |
|---|---|
| 1992-2006 | Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Clinical educator for the Center for Pain Management. |
| 1992-2007 | Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Radiology, Diagnosis and Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA. Lectured to several Post Doctorate dental departments. |
| 2000-2007 | Adjunct Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Clinical education and training of Post Doctorate Pain Fellows. |
| 1994-2010 | Assistant Clinical Professor (V), Department of Anesthesiology, UCSD, La Jolla, CA. Invited to join the Pain Center staff as a voluntary member providing training and lecturing with some patient care. |
Current Consulting Positions to Hospitals and Medical Groups
- Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA Scripps Hospital, Encinitas, CA
- Palomar Medical Center, Escondido, CA
- Tri-City Hospital, Vista
- Founder of CEA Education, a non-profit organization that aims to help foster and provide coordinated pain care between the dental and medical fields.
Dr. Brad Eli is available for consultation and treatment services for pain patients with head, neck and facial strain and pain issues as well as the treatment of sleep disordered breathing.
History of Clinical Hospital & Private Medical Activities
1992-2006: Medical Staff, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla CA
Professional Head and Neck Pain Consultant to the Behavior Modification Pain Center, which is a multi-disciplinary pain program utilizing behavior modification to help chronic pain patients with disease management. Patients attended full-time training for 4-6 weeks. Weekly pain case management reporting and development of treatment plans under the directorship of Dr. Charles Morgan (Department of Psychiatry) for the initial four years. Upon Dr. Eli’s departure, the program continued under Dr. Franklin Kozin (Rheumatology). For the subsequent ten years, treatments included greater levels of physical activity requiring active pain patient participation.
2014–Present: Facial Pain Specialists
Founder and Medical Director at the group practice called Orofacial Pain Specialists, with the above three clinic locations in Southern California (additional locations in the planning stage). He is widely recognized by his peers and educational institutions for his extensive expertise and experience in managing and teaching all types of chronic head, neck and jaw pain. He is also a sleep breathing disorders expert.
Care for patient health conditions Dr. Eli provides:
- TMJ pain and disorders
- All types of fascial pain
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Sleep disorders
- Migraine headaches
- Tension-type headaches
- Mixed and cluster headaches
- Burning Mouth Syndrome
2001-2010: Founder/Director San Diego Headache & Facial Pain Center, San Diego, CA
Developed a multi-disciplinary protocol to treat acute and chronic orofacial pain including migraines, stress and tension headaches, myofascial pain, neuralgia, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), burning tongue syndrome, head and neck injuries. Refined techniques include behavior modification, psychology, physical medicine, and anesthesiology. Comprehensive treatment options include oral appliance therapy, trigger point injections, Trigeminal Nerve blocks, Spenoplatine blocks, Botox injections, Rx injections, and Rx medication control. Recognized by medical and dental experts for success with complex cases.
1999-present: Founder/Director, Sleep Treatment & Research Institute, San Diego, CA
Offering all recognized non-surgical therapies for sleep-disordered breathing through prescription and ongoing treatment, including CPAP, BiPAP, VPAP, autoPAP, several types of oral appliance therapy, positional therapy, referral for surgery if indicated, and customized weight management plans. Extensive knowledge of upper airway obstructions, OSA, and TMD. Treatment is based on a disease management model involving recall and retesting and patient access to all options, resulting in high compliance rates with prescribed treatment.
1988-1989: Operations Manager, Total Family Dental Center, Bucks County, PA
Acquired and managed all new business operations and the provision of services for two professional practices in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Additional Business Partnerships
2010-Present: Founder/Director, Sleep Treatment Partners, San Diego, CA
A durable medical equipment provider with CHAP certification in California to deliver all non-surgical medical equipment for treatment of sleep disordered breathing.
2020-Present: Director/President, Continuing Education Alliance, San Diego, CA
A Non-profit 501(c) 3 organization offering continuing education on orofacial pain and sleep disordered breathing topics to dental and medical providers.
2011-Present: Co-founder, Orofacial Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA
Orofacial Therapeutics oversees the distribution of the QuickSplint device developed by Dr. Eli for his practice and for the benefit of dentists. Dr. Eli has been instrumental in developing the strategy and protocols for the Company.
Patents and Trademarks Developed by Bradley Allen Eli:
US Patent #D597675:
Developed and patented the QuickSplint® temporary anterior bite plane, a type of oral splint, invented as a conservative diagnostic and treatment aid for short-term use for protection of teeth and restorations from injury due to bruxism or clenching, and for temporary relief of muscle tension, headaches and pain associated with bruxism or clenching. The product has received FDA 510K clearance.
US Patent #8372215:
Developed and patented a human-interface cleaning device that can quickly and easily clean CPAP tubing and mask in a home shower, with no gas or electricity required. This invention helps patients to comply with CPAP cleaning protocols easily and at low cost; it is marketed under the product name of VORTECC CPAP Cleaner.
US Patent #20100175721A1:
Developed and patented a method of cleaning a human-interface cleaning device commonly used for treating sleep apnea which affects nearly 12 million Americans. This device greatly simplifies the cleaning methods for tube-like objects associated with maintaining the components used for respiratory systems such as CPAP systems.
US Patent #7059332B2:
Developed and patented a method of correcting parafunctional behaviour of the mandibular complex. This method provides vertical measurement of the mouth followed by stretching open the mouth even further, followed by using an anti-occluding device between the teeth and retaining it there for a set period of time. This exercise is performed several times a day to address Temporomandibular Disorders [TMD] and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders [TMJ].
US Patent #5622492A:
Developed and patented a temporomandibular joint [TMJ] diagnosis device that easily incorporates to the handle of a dental mirror. This allows a dental practitioner to quickly and accurately measure the critical distances for preliminary temporomandibular join evaluation by providing a tool that is easy to use and readily available.
Additional Healthcare Publications
- Sachi Mehrotra DDS, Bradley Eli DMD, “Pathological Parafunction: Diagnosis, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment Options,” Sept 2024
- Linda Sangalli, Bradley Eli, James Fricton, et al., “Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide-Mediated Trigeminal Ganglionitis: The Biomolecular Link between Temporomandibular Disorders and Chronic Headaches,” July 2023
- Eli Bradley, et al., “Detecting Problematic Opioid Use in the Electronic Health Record: Automation of the Addiction Behaviors Checklist in a Chronic Pain Population,” June 2023
- Endodontics principles and practice 6th ed, Torabinejad, Fouad, Shabahang, Elsevier. 2021 Contributing author, Chapter 5 Differential Diagnosis of Pains and Radiolucencies of Nonpulpal Origin. Pg 83-89.
- How to Choose the Right Bite Splint for Your Patients by Bradley Eli, DMD, Glidewell Dental, August 2021
- Postoperative Jaw and Muscle Pain online CE by Lee Ann Brady, DMD; James Fricton, DDS, MS; and Brad Eli, DMD, MS, Inside Dentistry, April 2017
- Preventing chronic pain after acute jaw sprain or strain by Fricton, James, Brad Eli, DMD, MS, Akanksha Gupta, BDS, MS, Neil Johnson, DDS, PhD, The Journal of the American Dental Association, Volume 147, Issue 12, 979 – 986, Aug 2016
- Jaw Joint and Muscle Strain/Sprain Treatment Technique, by Brad Eli, DMD, MS; James Fricton DDS, MS Oral Health Journal, July 2016
- Sleep apnea dentistry: A dental opportunity by Brad Eli, DMD, MS Dental Economics, Oct 2016
- Pain Medicine and Management, Wallace and Staats, McGraw Hill, 2005, contributing author, Section VI – REGIONAL PAIN, Orofacial Pain pp 151-153
- Limited spots. Early booking advised.
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief
If you’ve been living with unexplained facial pain, jaw discomfort, or chronic headaches, you don’t have to keep guessing.
Dr. Eli and his team at Facial Pain Specialists offer expert diagnosis and customized, non-invasive solutions designed to restore comfort and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients often have questions about their symptoms, treatment options, and what to expect along the path to relief. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
How do I know if I have a TMJ disorder or another facial pain condition?
You may suspect a TMJ disorder if you experience jaw pain, clicking, or popping sounds, or difficulty opening your mouth fully. However, other conditions can present similarly. An evaluation by Dr. Eli will help determine the exact cause of your discomfort.
How long does it take to see improvement with oral appliance therapy?
Many patients notice relief within a few weeks of consistent use, though results vary. Dr. Eli will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome.
Are nerve block injections or Botox treatments painful?
These treatments involve injections, but Dr. Eli uses gentle techniques and local anesthetics to minimize discomfort. Most patients tolerate the procedures well, and any mild soreness typically resolves quickly.
Will I need surgery for my condition?
Surgery is not usually the first choice. Dr. Eli prioritizes conservative treatments—such as appliances, injections, and physical therapy—before considering more invasive options. If surgery is ever recommended, it’s only after all other avenues have been explored.
Can lifestyle changes really make a difference?
Yes. Improving posture, managing stress, and avoiding hard or chewy foods can all help reduce strain on your jaw and support long-term comfort. Dr. Eli can guide you toward making beneficial adjustments to your daily routines.
Real Stories, Genuine Relief
“Dr Eli is the first doctor in two years who was able to identify the cause of my “tension headache” and face and neck pain symptoms… I finally feel there is hope for recovery, and believe I am now on that path!”
Jennifer Strayer
“Dr. Eli has an understanding that not all bodies follow the typical medical textbook, and instead of making you feel forgotten you will finally feel seen and heard. Thank you Dr. Eli!”
Sarah Linden
“I’ve been coming here for years to manage my TMJ pain/symptoms…I was initially skeptical…but the difference is night and day with pain. Highly recommend Dr. Eli and his team for TMJ treatment.”
C Humes
“I am so grateful for Dr Eli…after years of suffering with the worst TMJ and going to multiple places, I have finally found someone who can actually help! Thank you so much.”
Jessica Serven
“I have been a patient of Dr. Eli and Dr. Sachi for years. They have been extremely helpful in managing my neck and jaw pain. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is experiencing facial pain.”
Linda Moore
“I came to Dr. Bradley Eli after a 40+ year TMJ issue, which had worsened. He made (2) lower splints, which I wear during the day and at night. Along with Physical Therapy ordered by my Family & Sports Medicine physician, Dr Eli’s treatments have worked.”