Dr. Arthur Chal reveals the importance of using the true medical model to achieve a comprehensive TMD diagnosis, and touches upon common underlying causes of this condition.
Phoenix, AZ — Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition that can cause jaw pain and other widespread dental problems. Dr. Arthur Chal, a dentist in Phoenix, explains that TMD is a complex concern, and that the underlying causes should be identified and addressed to effectively treat it. To accomplish this goal, he recommends using the true medical model of diagnosis, which includes a meticulous analysis of the soft and hard tissues of the mouth and collaboration with a team of experts.
To achieve a comprehensive, definitive TMD diagnosis, Dr. Chal says a patient’s jaw should be evaluated using state-of-the-art imaging technology such as CAT scans and MRIs. Additionally, he indicates that a team of medical and dental experts should work together to identify problems and develop a customized, patient-centered treatment plan. Furthermore, an extensive analysis of a patient’s bite pattern (occlusion) on a dental articulator is crucial. Dr. Chal has completed extensive training in TMD, and he says he collaborates with physicians, oral pathologists, and radiologists to arrive at a precise analysis before recommending a course of action. Without a true medical model, he indicates that underlying concerns may go unrecognized and continue to generate damage and discomfort.
Dr. Chal says that TMD can be the result of dental problems as well as the agent of them. One commonly overlooked cause of TMD is poor reconstructive dental work, and he says patients may inadvertently receive low-quality materials and/or inadequate treatment that are designed save money in the short term. However, Dr. Chal explains that this approach could lead to or worsen TMD symptoms and generate serious damage over time, which could be expensive to address. He encourages patients to focus on the dental professional’s experience rather than on procedure cost to help achieve the best care.
The Phoenix dentist, who has also experienced TMD as a patient, encourages individuals with jaw pain to consult with an extensively credentialed dentist about their concerns. With a proper diagnosis obtained using the true medical model, he says long-lasting, effective TMD treatment can be achieved.
About Arthur Chal, DDS, FICOI, FAGD, AAACD
Dr. Arthur Chal is a practicing dentist in the Phoenix area. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI), a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), and a Past President and Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AAACD). Additionally, Dr. Chal has completed extensive training in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and works with a highly accomplished team of dental experts. A graduate of Northwestern University, he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Chal completed his hospital residency at Great Lakes Naval Hospital near Chicago. Dr. Chal is available for interview upon request.
For more information about Dr. Chal and his practice, please visit chaldentistry.com.
Contact:
Arthur Chal Esthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry
4715 N. 32nd St., Ste. 106
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 957-5000
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com
