Dr. Jeffrey Jelic was the second oral and maxillofacial surgeon I visited in Durham, and I am so…read moreglad I went. The first one I visited charged me $375 for a consultation during which he told me nothing, except "I don't know why you have TMJ," and that I needed an MRI (which comes with a $150 copay and, let's face it, I'm not what you'd call wealthy), which he insisted I have done at one radiology clinic in particular. Un petit shady, non?
Having suffered progressive TMJ and bruxism for nearly six years, that has resulted in constant pain and soreness, as well as malocclusion of my otherwise beautiful teeth, I was downtrodden after my visit to that first guy. But my dentist, Dr. Velma Cooper, referred me to Dr. Jelic. Interestingly enough, both attended the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and, even more impressively, Dr. Jelic also went on to earn his MD from the Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine. Homeboy is a DMD / MD, so you know he knows his stuff.
In our consultation---only $90, thankyouverymuch---Dr. Jelic explained very clearly what our options were, as well as his preferences for the order in which we should try such interventions. Although he is a surgeon, he certainly didn't push surgery on me; in fact, it was presented as the very last and most radical tactic. The first was fitting me with an occlusal guard, which I have been wearing day and night to MUCH relief. Of course, this dental appliance isn't a cure but, at $1200 out of pocket---because dental insurance is a racket and doesn't cover TMJ, jerks---it is a comparatively affordable and certainly less invasive alternative to surgery.
I opted for the appliance at my consultation, and our next appointment was set up for just a few days later, where they took molds of my teeth, which were sent off to be made into a mouth guard. The turnaround is about two weeks, and then there are several weekly appointments following for fittings---these are included in the $1200 paid for the guard---where Dr. Jelic whittles down and polishes away the appliance until it is subtle enough to be worn without much distraction or impediment to speech. I've been wearing mine day and night for a few months now, and am thrilled that I no longer have to deal with headaches caused by teeth clenching. The wearing down of the enamel on my molars has ceased, too, thank goodness.
Georgia is the practice manager, and she runs a tight ship. Terri was great working with me on the cost, and I appreciated her kindness and forthrightness. Amanda, Kelly, and Sue round out the qualified team of medical professionals, and have all be a pleasure to work with.
For now, the guard is working really well for me but, should I decide to try surgery at some point in the future, Dr. Jelic will absolutely be the surgeon I seek out.
