Patients with TMJ disorder (TMD) need to see a TMJ specialist. While many general dentists provide treatment for TMD, a TMJ specialist has better training to deal with complex and painful TMJ conditions. In this post, Dr. Khalifeh will explain what a TMJ specialist is and how to find a TMJ specialist near you. Generally speaking, a true TMJ specialist doctor can help relief your TMJ pain and other TMD symptoms. But, What type of a doctor is a TMJ specialist and how to find one.
How to Find a True TMJ Specialist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) does not recognize TMJ as a dental specialty. Therefore, many dentists are calling themselves TMJ specialist doctors. Most dentists who offer TMJ treatment only offer limited solutions for TMJ patients such as mouthguards that are used at night to protect the teeth from grinding. However, splints and mouthguards may be effective for some but not all TMD patients. Above all, TMJ pain has many causes, mouthguards only address one of them. Therefore, most TMJ patients go from one dental office to the next seeking pain relief without luck.
How to find out if the dentist you’re visiting is a real specialist in TMJ treatment? You should look for the dentist’s credentials. An expert in TMJ disorders usually share his training, and credentials on his website. Therefore, it is your responsibility as a patient to find an expert dentist in treating TMJ disorders.
Only 12 post-doctoral training programs in the US offer comprehensive training in TMJ disorders and orofacial pain. Recently, the ADA recognized Orofacial Pain as the 12th dental specialty. An Orofacial Pain specialist has the most comprehensive training in TMJ disorders. By now, you should know what type of doctor a TMJ specialist is.
Dr. Khalifeh is one of the few TMJ disorders experts in Los Angeles. He holds a master degree in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine from one of the top dental schools in the US, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the USC. Dr. Khalifeh is teaching at USC dental school for over 26 years. He trained tens of doctors in Orofacial Pain and TMJ disorders speciality at the USC. Many of them are board certified by the American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP).
Some of Dr. Khalifeh’s honors include:
- Diplomate American Board of oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry
- Fellow American Academy of Implant dentistry
- Diplomate American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Diplomate International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Fellow Misch Implant Institute
- Fellow Academy of General Dentistry
What TMJ Specialists Do?
When you see a true TMJ specialist doctor like Dr. Khalifeh, you are getting a comprehensive approach to TMJ disorders treatment. Above all, your true benefit comes from a total body assessment to find out your TMJ disorders causes and related symptoms.
The first step will be to find out the source of your TMD. Where is the real problem of your symptoms.? Do you have grind or clinch your teeth? Do have TMJ arthritis or other joint degenerative disease? A successful treatment always starts with the correct diagnosis of your TMJ disorder. TMJ treatment involves using multiple methods to relief your TMJ and improve your quality of life. In conclusion, Dr. Khalifeh always addresses the roots causing your TMD rather than giving you a temporary bandage to mask your real problem.
As a TMJ specialists, Dr. Khalifeh will give you the best care you deserve to relief your symptoms and prevent future decline of your TMJ health. He will listen to you and offer you the support you deserve. Some TMJ disorders should be treated as part of systemic condition, Dr. Khalifeh will coordinate his treatment with the right specialist to give you the ultimate solution you need.
Schedule an Appointment with Los Angeles TMJ Specialist, Dr. Khalifeh
Dr. Mohammad Khalifeh, DDS, MS. Is board-certified Orofacial Pain and TMJ specialist. He is a Diplomate American Board of Orofacial Pain. Above all, Dr. Khalifeh is TMD and Orofacial Pain Board Certified doctor. Additionally, for over 26 years, Dr. Khalifeh is helping patients with TMJ and jaw pain in Los Angeles, Miracle Mile, Park La Brea, Beverly Hills, Larchmont Village, Hollywood, Santa Monica, California, and the rest of the word.
Our address: SAG-AFTRA Plaza, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #5, Los Angeles, CA 90036