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. Leonard Kundel on TMJ
Dr. Leonard Kundel is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about TMJ.
Q. What is TMJ?
A. I am assuming you are asking about TMD.
Temporomandibular disorder most often is pain that is around ear. It comes from jaw joint dislocation. Dislocation could be chronic or acute.
Q. How do I know if I have TMJ?
A. Here are some of the common symptoms:
Headaches
Ear pain
Ringing in the ears
Limited mouth opening
Pain when chewing, yawning, or moving the TMJ
Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening (with or without pain)
Tooth pain
Swelling
Difficulty chewing or uncomfortable bite
Dizziness
Hearing problems
Radiating pain in the face, neck, shoulders, back and arms
Q. Can pain killers help in treating TMJ syndrome?
A. Painkillers could help deal with pain. It is not a cure but only a palliative treatment.
At times, however, even the strongest painkillers are ineffective.
Painkillers should only be a short term solution.
Q. Who should treat TMD?
A. The most successful doctor for this is a knowledgeable dentist. Chiropractor and a physical therapist could be very instrumental in helping with TMD. Depending on type of chiropractic technique or physical therapy modality a doctor can alleviate many symptoms thereby relieving pain and discomfort.
Q. What should you expect from a TMD doctor?
A. Most importantly your treating doctor should be upfront on your expectations, treatment, and possible outcome.
Q. What results can I expect from surgery?
A. Surgery should be the very last resort. It should be done by a very experienced surgeon.
Results vary widely.
Any invasive treatments should only be considered after exhausting extensive conservative, non-invasive therapies and receiving multiple opinions from independent physicians.
Q. Is TMJ/TMD covered by insurance?
A. Medical insurance covers some aspects of TMD treatment. Patient should find out what gets covered, so that there are no surprises down the road.
Dental insurance provides almost no coverage.
Q. How to contact Dr. Kundel if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
1250 Summer St # 200
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: 203-487-6020
Email: info@stamforddentist.com
Website: www.stamforddentist.com
