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. Roberta S. Valent on TMJ
Dr. Roberta S. Valent is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about TMJ.
Q. What is TMJ? How do I know if I have TMJ?
A. TMJ is an acronym for temporal mandibular joint. It usually refers to TMJ/TMD which is a chronic inflammatory condition accompanied by varying degrees of pain involving the temporal mandibular joint. TMD refers to temporal mandibular disease.
Some of the symptoms may include:
Clicking/popping upon opening or closing mouth
Pain when chewing
Headache
Jaw tenderness and pain
Reduced function of jaw/limited ability to open or close
Neck pain
Ear pain
Q. Can pain killers help and who should treat TMJ/TMD?
A. A dentist or neurologist can determine if a person is suffering from TMD and best decide the course of treatment.
Pain killers only treat the symptoms and do not treat the underlying cause such as a problem with occlusion which a dentist can treat and correct. Because TMD involves bones, muscles, teeth, tendons, nerves, soft and connective tissues, the cause is often difficult to diagnose. Specialists in TMJ and facial pain working together with a dentist and neurologist often are needed to collaborate expertise in their varous fields to help find accurate treatment plans for the relief of the patient.
Q. What should you expect from a TMD doctor?
A. What you should expect from any doctor is one who will actively listen to your concerns and use his/her expertise and knowledge along with you to come to a satisfactory treatment plan.
Q. What results can I expect from surgery?
A. Surgery should be an individual decision between the patient and their doctor and should never be considered lightly. With that said, it has been an effective and helpful treatment for certain patients suffering from TMD.
Q. Does insurance cover TMD treatment?
A. There are variations in coverage with all insurance carriers. It is the responsibility of each patient to check with their individual insurance carrier and policy to discover what is or is not covered.
Q. How to contact Dr. Valent if we have further questions?
A. There are three ways to contact me. Through my website: www.rsvalentdds.com
My website is in the process of being overhauled. Ultimately, all inquiries to that site will be redirected accordingly. You may also call my office and speak with my hygienist Faith Morgan. The phone number is (630) 653-0907 or email her at smilecleaner123@gmail.com. She is very knowledgeable and helpful and can assist you with most all of your questions and concerns. If you have a question that she cannot answer she will then redirect your inquiry to me and I will answer as soon as possible.
