I found Dr.Harold to be warm, compassionate and very gifted at the service he provides for those suffering a muscular problem that caused me vertigo, constant neck pain, TMJ discomfort, and other pain that radiated into my face and head. He has patience and more patience. He constantly adjusted my orthotic until I was satisfied with its fit and had no discomfort. Dr. Harold has a pleasant sense of humor which often relieved the feeling of hopelessness. He gave me a life back to live and to say I'm grateful is an understatement. God bless Dr. Harold and his helpful staff. Linda Burns read more

A non-starter. They wanted $125 as an initial consultation for no services, just a quick spot check to hear my issues and look in my mouth. My insurance company allows medical care providers to get quotes in advance of treatment. The office manager was not willing to call and get a quote. They wanted $3,800 for a TMJ evaluation and treatment program but are unwilling to help me find out what the insurance will pay. Because Blue Cross will provide this info only to health-care providers, I have to rely on the honesty and integrity of the health-care provider. I've been burned too many times in the past with outrageous bills from doctors and dentists to not know in advance what my out-of-pocket costs will be. And, a practice that won't lift a finger to get this information is not one that think I can trust. One star is deserved for their expecting me to just accept whatever the costs might be (not to mention the $125 fee for walking in the front door). read more

As a medical researcher and someoone who has suffered with TMJ for decades, as well as having worn braces twices and countless "splints" to "correct" the problem, I have finally found the proper treatment from a remarkably qualified, compassionate and honest team of providers: Dr. Harold and his assistant, April Cates. This may sound dramatic, but for those of you who have suffered from the debilitating pain, headaches, eye problems, low mood from constant pain, extreme muscle soreness and tightness, you will understand what it means to be free of those problems....They have given me my life back! Before seeing Dr. Harold, I started treatment in Seattle and it, too, was effective at first. However, it cost over $10,000, and I was told that the only way to permanently make the adjustments in my bite would require that I have all of my teeth capped (btw, the teeth are perfectly fine in appearance) and veneers placed over them, which would cost an additional $40,000! I was shocked and felt stuck. I was told that I would have to wear the appliance, called an orthotic, for the rest of my life and continue to have it adjusted, if I did not have these additional services performed. I opted for continual adjustments. Fortunately, I moved to Raleigh and after much searching and evaluating providers, I chose Dr. Harold. I first read his reviews and was not alarmed by what people were writing as no other dentist who performs Neuromuscular Dentistry (that is the method that Dr. Harold uses, and the only treatment that will effectively elliminate TMJ) provides a consultation without a fee. Please don't blame the dentists for this, it is the insurance companies that have left providers with no option but to charge up front. That being said, at least Dr. Harold applies that fee toward the treatment, if the patient elects to pursue it. Also, another person wrote that the treatment did nothing. I found that difficult to believe, as the precise measurements that are taken to fit the orthotic and adjust it are scientifically sound methods and move the jaw as the body adjusts to the orthotic. The manufacture and adjustment of the orthotic are based on objective measures as well as working extensively with patients to see how the orthotic feels. Therefore, I had to discount that review and proceed with an appointment. When I scheduled my appointment and explained to April the degree of pain I had been experiencing (debilitating!!!!) and that I was becoming non-functional as a result, she worked to make sure that I could be seen soon. The consultation was a breeze for me, as I had previously been through that with my dentist in Seattle, plus I understood the science and physics behind the treatment. Besides, I knew what did not work, as I had tried everything. The appointment for taking the measurements and impression for my orthotic was more comprehensive than what I had previously received and, this was really great news for me, I was told that not only did I not need to have all of my teeth crowned and covered with vaneers, as Dr. Harold said, "Why would anyone grind down perfectly good teeth and put crowns and vaneers on them?" All that was needed to keep my jaw in place after 6 months of treatment with the orthotic, but that braces (not a full mouth at once) for about 6 months would take care of that! I was ecstatic! Plus the treatment for the orthotic was $3,600 and eventual braces would be approximately $6,000! That is less than the $10k I spent just for the orthotic in Seattle and it was for a permanent fix, which would not put me out an additional $40k! No one wants to wear braces, especially at my age (49), and for the third time, but it certainly beats the constant hell of pain! The first day after I received my orthotic, I did not have a headache (migraine), there was no more facial pain, the muscles in my neck, shoulders and back were significantly reduced, and I could see clearly. This all makes sense as the muscles were relieved and the bones in my jaw and face were no longer trying to accomodate a jaw position that was badly out of alignment. Three months after initiating treatment with Dr. Harold and April, I moved to California. I would not have been able to move before beginning my treatment with them, as I was in so much pain and fatigued all of the time. Now I am able to work and live life pain-free and HAPPY!!! As soon as I informed Dr. Harold and April that I was moving to California, Dr. Harold gave me the name of a fellow neuromuscular dentist in my area who could provide continued care. Just three months left to go and I will be able to get my temporary braces and continue to feel great. Another positive outcome is that I no longer have to take several medications for pain prescribed by my neurologist and family doctor. Thank you, Dr. Harold and April, for the outstanding care and helping me to get my life back!!!! You are truly the best!!!!!! read more

Dr. James R Harold and staff are great. My mother and I have been going to him for years. His hygienist Nancy is great. In fact, all the staff is great. I would recommend him and his staff to others. Linda B read more

I waited 1.75 hours after my appointment time to be seen. The initial appointment was $125, which I believe was a complete waste of time & money. He sat at the other side of the table never once touched my mouth or examined it. He reviewed my medical history & said he could get me off certain medications, none of which had to do with my mouth or pain & without knowing the origin of why I was on them. He also criticized other dentist in the area for not knowing about Tmj & not treating it correctly. I was extremely disappointed & found him to be very rigid. He service doesn't seem customized it is $3000 for a mouth guard & then braces again which is additional also. I was not impressed with his service & I can't believe that I was charged for that appointment. read more

I spent $3,800+ for an orthotic that was supposed to help my TMJ dysfunction. What a waste of money! It did absolutely nothing. I wore it as instructed for months. I am so upset that I wasted so much money. read more

Do no trust this dentist. I paid alot of money for an evaluation, a technique called 'tens' and a occlusial adjustment to adjust the height of some newly prepared dental work. After this work was done, Dr. Harold then 'free-lanced' with his drill and ruined my balanced occlusion and damaged alot of dental work that I am having to pay a COMPETENT dentist to have repaired and replaced. While I felt that he may have had the knowledge and skill to help me, instead he created more problems than I came in with. Of course his reccomendation was to return for a more expensive workup and long term treatment. read more

I am very happy with the treatment provided by Dr. Harold and his team. They were the only office to give me insight on the problems with my jaw and answers as to why I was having the problems. My insurance company wanted to dictate the treatment needed saying they would pay for surgery only. How extreme!! I worn the appliance as instructed and almost immediately felt better! This is the first relief I have had with headaches, ear pain and jaw pain. It didn't involve surgery, pills, or try this approach. I am glad I moved forward with the procedure and didn't let my health be controlled by my insurance company. The money invested now was far less than co pays and deductibles for failed treatments I had in the past! read more