Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Craig S. Landry on TMJ
Dr. Craig S. Landry is a dentist and has answered some of the most common questions Bizymoms visitors have about TMJ.
Q. What is TMJ?
A. TMJ stands for "Temporomandibular Joint." We all have two of them, which acts as the "hinge" for our lower jaw as it opens and closes. There can often be dysfunction of this joint which can cause a problem leading to TMJ syndrome also known as TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder. This syndrome includes many of the following symptoms: Jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, difficulty chewing, popping or clicking of the joint, neck pain, ear pain or pressure, pain or pressure behind the eyes, limited mouth opening and dizziness/balance problems.
Q. How do I know if I have TMJ?
A. You may have TMJ if you have one or more of the above mentioned symptoms that lasts for more than a couple of weeks without relief from over the counter anti-inflammatory pain medication.
Q. Can painkillers help in treating TMJ syndrome?
A. If you have an acute problem with TMJ, pain medication in the anti-inflammatory category can sometimes offer relief. However, chronic TMJ problems often require treatment of the underlying cause and pain killers treat the symptoms and not the source.
Q. Who should treat TMD?
A. TMJ/TMD treatment is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, therefore a General Dentist who has training in treating TMD can treat it. Although most dental schools teach some basic TMD treatment techniques, the dentist treating TMD should have completed some sort of post dental school education courses in order to be able to handle the various degrees of severity that the syndrome can present.
Q. What should you expect from a TMD doctor?
A. One should expect a TMD doctor to have you fill out a thorough questionnaire asking your symptoms and medical and dental history. The doctor should review this questionnaire with you, examine your head and neck muscles, TMJ and analyze your bite and teeth. The initial consultation may also include xrays of the joint. Upon completion of the examination and consult, the doctor should review the findings with you and make recommendations for treatment.
Q. What results can I expect from surgery?
A. Surgery on the TMJ is very rarely indicated. Most TMJ problems can be successfully treated using conservative methods. In rare instances, it may be necessary to operate on the joint and should be performed by a skilled surgeon with experience and only done after conservative treatment has failed.
Q. Is TMJ/TMD covered by insurance?
A. TMJ/TMD is sometimes covered by insurance. Most of the time coverage is provided by medical insurance rather than dental insurance. Any coverage is dependent upon the patients individual insurance policy and the actual terms of the policy as it relates to TMJ treatment. Some companies could cover 100% of treatment, some may cover nothing.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Landry if we have further questions?
A. If you have any further questions about TMD treatment, you can visit Dr. Landry's website at www.drcraiglandry.com and click on the TMD/Headaches tab. Or call 337-981-9242 to schedule a consultation.
