Often Misdiagnosed as numerous other ailments
By Chris Clemens
Dr. Leonard Feld, an Accredited Dentist with American Board Certification in both Craniofacial Pain and Implantology, is offering a complimentary seminar intended to help people identify if they have tempomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition often misdiagnosed, and therefore, improperly treated. The seminar will take place on Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m., at The Smile Center in Indian Wells.
TMD is a complex condition to evaluate and recognize. Because the symptoms can mimic other medical disorders, patients are misdiagnosed and treated with medications to mask the symptoms resulting in temporary relief, often enduring pain for years. Those experiencing any of these symptoms consistently and without relief – headaches, insomnia, dizziness, sleep apnea, snoring, dozing when reading or sitting, joint pain and stiffness, anxiety, depression, restless leg syndrome, chronic back pain, limited movement of the jaw, and other discomforts – are ideal candidates to be evaluated for TMD. Often misdiagnosed as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, cystitis, hormonal imbalance, and other diagnosis, TMD is treatable and does not include the use of prescription medications or surgery.
The factors involved in TMD are poorly understood and it is becoming clearer that a dentist who is specially trained in treating these afflictions can best direct the appropriate care to cure the condition. Treating TMD involves addressing the relationship between upper and lower teeth and the teeth to the TM joints, as well as supporting ligaments and associated musculature. Depending on the severity of the jaw displacement a variety of treatment approaches are available. Because deterioration of the jaw joints can be progressive resulting in increased pain and added symptoms, accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment is extremely important.
Dr. Feld specializes in treating TMD with a multidisciplinary team approach. He has successfully given patients relief from the pain associated with the above noted conditions through orthopedic dentistry. His associates and staff are highly experienced and trained in working with patients to improve and relieve this condition, while utilizing conservative, non-invasive, and non-surgical treatments.
Dr. Feld has more than 30 years of dental experience and over 4500 hours of graduate study. He graduated from USC Dental School with honors and continues to teach at USC Oral Surgery Department. He has completed his residency at the Institute for Advanced TMJ, Sleep Studies and Aesthetic Dentistry. In addition, he is founder of the International TMJ and Sleep Medicine Network. His many professional accolades include:
Diplomate – American Board of Craniofacial Pain
Diplomate – American Board of Implantology
Diplomate – International Congress of Implantology
Diplomate – American Academy Sleep Medicine
Diplomate – European Academy of Implantology
Fellow – American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Fellow – American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
Fellow – American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Fellow – American Academy of Pain Management
For a complimentary consultation with Dr. Feld, or for additional information, call 760-578-8700 or visit www.southeastdentalgroup.com. His offices are located in northern and southern California in Indian Wells, Maywood, and Santa Clara.
