TMD is a disorder that stems from dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that leads to TMJ and orofacial pain. Statistics show that between 5 and 12% of individuals are living with a form of TMD. Most disorders that cause chronic pain impact middle-aged and older adults, but temporomandibular joint disorders can happen at any age, including children and young adults.

What Happens if TMD goes Untreated?

If someone does not receive timely intervention from a specialist who treats TMJ disorders, the chronic pain, discomfort, and muscle tension of TMJ disorders or TMD can lead to greater health concerns both physically and emotionally. TMJ and TMD symptoms are unlikely to improve without treatment, and they can affect all aspects of your life, contributing to things like: - Depression - Anxiety - Nightmares - Sleep apnea - Insomnia - Increased stress By disrupting your sleep, TMD can also increase your risk of developing major health concerns like heart disease, obesity, stroke, and diabetes. Poor sleep, combined with increased stress, can compromise your immune system—making you more susceptible to illness–and impact your libido.

What is the Negative Impact of TMD on Quality of Life?

The negative effects of TMD are often far-reaching and extend to all areas of a person’s life. Poor sleep is just one of the negative outcomes that can result from untreated TMD. Patients with TMJ problems often experience nightmares, sleep apnea, and insomnia. Long-term sleep deprivation can place someone at an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, stroke, diabetes, and other major health concerns. Lack of proper sleep also causes imbalanced cortisol levels, which can lead someone to have difficulty managing stress. Poor sleep compounded with high levels of stress compromises someone’s immune system and makes them more susceptible to illness. When someone does not get the proper amount of restful sleep, they are also more likely to develop depression and a decreased sex drive. Depression as well as anxiety and lower libido all have the potential to impair a person’s relationships and how they interact with others. Someone who is in constant discomfort is also more likely to demonstrate irritability and frustration, which can further hurt those around them. No one likes living in discomfort, especially not if there is a way to get help and put concerns like chronic pain from TMD behind them. This is why it’s so crucial to seek care for something as treatable as TMD.

Who can treat TMJ disorders or TMD?

General practitioners are often the first point of contact for a patient who may be suffering from TMJ disorders. These doctors meet with their patients often and may know there is a problem, but may not have the specific knowledge or expertise necessary to effectively treat TMJ problems. If you are suffering from symptoms of TMD, a general practitioner can refer you to a specialist, and may also prescribe pain medication or muscle relaxants that can provide temporary relief of TMJ symptoms until you visit the specialist. General and cosmetic dentists, as well as orthodontists, are also often among the first to notice the symptoms of TMJ or TMD in their patients. However, they also usually lack the in-depth knowledge to treat TMJ effectively and will typically refer those patients to a specialist.

What is a TMJ or TMD Specialist?

A TMJ specialist is a dentist who is board-certified in orofacial pain and treatment of TMJ disorders and TMD. Because TMJ disorders can be complex and multifactorial, you may need treatment from experts in other fields to address and treat your unique situation. A TMJ specialist will use his or her extensive knowledge of TMD and treatment options to create a comprehensive plan that may include insights and care from other types of doctors. For example, if your TMJ disorder is causing unmanageable headaches, a neurologist may be able to help coordinate part of your treatment solution. If your TMD is related to or causing another condition, such as sleep apnea, your TMJ specialist can work in conjunction with a sleep physician. A TMJ specialist can also manage referrals for–and direct or oversee treatment plans with –other medical experts and physicians like: - Rheumatologists, who focus on rheumatism and conditions such as arthritis. These providers have specialized knowledge of the joints, muscles, and ligaments of the body. - Pain management specialists, who focus on making chronic pain (including joint pain) more manageable. Physical therapy providers (including physical therapists and physical therapy assistants), who rehabilitate patients by increasing their range of motion and reducing pain. Physical therapy can be a highly beneficial TMJ treatment when combined with splinting therapy. - Myofunctional therapists, who work only with the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face and focus on training proper breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing. - Otolaryngologist (or ENTs), who focus on disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. Patients with TMD may also experience sinus and ear pain. - Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who focus on treating conditions specifically associated with the muscles, joints, and ligaments in the maxillofacial region.

What is the Prognosis for TMJ Syndrome?

The prognosis for TMJ syndrome is generally good when the condition is correctly diagnosed and treated. TMJ syndrome is often discovered by a general doctor, or more frequently, your dentist. Your doctor or dentist may first rule out other conditions, then further discuss your symptoms and examine your jaw. During the TMJ examination, your doctor will most likely: - Listen to and feel your jaw when you open and close your mouth - Examine the range of motion of your jaw - Press on your face around your jaw to identify sites of pain or discomfort Additional tests might be prescribed to confirm the diagnosis. This could include dental x-rays, CT scan for more detailed images of the joint, or an MRI to search for problems with the joint's disc or surrounding soft tissue. TMJ arthroscopy is sometimes used in the diagnosis of TMJ syndrome. During the procedure, your doctor inserts a small thin tube (cannula) into the joint space, and a small camera (arthroscope) is then inserted to view the area and to help determine a diagnosis.

What are the Treatments for TMJ Syndrome?

After diagnosis, you may be referred to a specialist to determine the best way to treat your TMD. Most patients are relieved to know that most TMJ syndrome treatments are non-surgical. In fact, many TMD sufferers find that relieving jaw pain can be accomplished through home remedies. Some of the most effective home remedies for TMJ syndrome include: - Ice or cold packs applied to the painful joint - Moist heat from a heat pack, warm water bottle, or moist towel applied to the area - Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing gum - Over the counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) - Massage or gentle self-stretching of the jaw and neck muscles (this may be something you do alone after learning from a doctor or physical therapist) - Relaxation and stress management techniques - Exercises to increase mobility and strengthen your jaw as prescribed by your doctor - Wearing mouth guards at night as prescribed by your doctor When TMJ pain relief isn't something you can take care of alone, professional treatments are available. You shouldn't try to "get used to the pain" or ignore it. Complications of long-term TMJ syndrome can include chronic joint, face, ear pain, or chronic migraines. In severe situations where pain is chronic. or associated with other inflammatory disorders, long-term treatment may be necessary. Your specific treatment may depend on the cause of your TMD, where your pain is located, and your chosen treatment. Your doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments to relieve your TMJ pain: - Prescription Medications: If OTC pain medications fail to relieve your symptoms, your TMJ specialist may recommend prescription pain medications. muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories. - Dental Splint Therapy: Dental splints can correct joint compression issues and provide pressure and pain relief while acting as a cushion for your teeth. - Bite Orthotics: Digital impressions and CT scans make it possible for us to create customized bite orthotics that reduce unnecessary strain on the TMJ. - Physical Therapy: Specific physical exercises and therapy methods are one of the most effective ways to retrain the joint to function properly by restoring strength in key areas. Your doctor or physical therapist may practice these exercises with you until you are comfortable doing them at home. Although an initial TMJ disorder diagnosis might seem frightening, the tests and treatment associated with TMD are typically non-invasive and very effective for long-term relief. If you have jaw pain or other face pain you think could be associated with TMJ syndrome, it's important to seek treatment for your symptoms.

Which TMJ Specialist to See for TMJ Pain

Woman with brown hair in blue blouse holds her jaw in pain from grinding her teeth.

*Updated on 09/25/25

A TMJ specialist is a dental professional with advanced training and experience in diagnosing and treating complex jaw joint disorders and related conditions, skills that go far beyond what a general or cosmetic dentist typically offers. These specialists focus on root causes rather than symptoms, often using an interdisciplinary approach that addresses muscle tension, posture, airway issues, and overlapping problems like headaches, bruxism, and sleep apnea. The best TMJ specialists hold respected board certifications, lead in professional organizations, contribute to research, and offer a wide range of evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient. Choosing the right provider can mean more accurate diagnoses, safer and more effective therapies, and lasting relief that improves both jaw function and overall quality of life.

Dr. Katherine S. Phillip and Dr. Y.C. Joseph FischerHahm of Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in The Woodlands are TMJ specialists who bring decades of combined experience, dual board certification in orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine, and leadership roles within national organizations to the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders and sleep-related breathing issues. Through research, education, and thousands of successful cases—including over 8,000 oral appliances—they provide comprehensive, evidence-based care that addresses root causes with therapies ranging from splints and laser treatments to trigger point injections, physical therapy, and coordinated multidisciplinary plans.s

What is a TMJ Specialist?

TMJ specialists are dental health practitioners who focus on TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. They generally come from backgrounds in orofacial pain, dental sleep medicine, prosthodontics, or related disciplines, and while there is no singular official designated dental specialty for “TMJ specialist,” these doctors are distinguished from general or cosmetic dentists by deep expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the jaw joint, associated muscles, and connected structures.

TMJ specialists are often characterized by:

Advanced diagnostic ability.

TMJ specialists are trained to recognize subtle signs of TMJ disorders using physical exams, imaging, and other diagnostic tools that go far beyond what a general or cosmetic dentist may evaluate. They do not just look at tooth alignment or aesthetics, but examine joint function, muscle tension, referred pain, and potential involvement of airway or sleep issues.

Treatment focused on root causes of TMD.

TMJ specialists prioritize function, comfort, and long‑term joint health. Treatments aim to correct the underlying dysfunctions, not just mask symptoms.

An interdisciplinary approach.

The best TMJ specialists collaborate with other healthcare providers such as sleep physicians, physical therapists, and pain specialists to ensure every contributing factor to the patient’s condition is identified and addressed. This comprehensive care model helps resolve complex or overlapping issues more effectively than isolated treatment.

What a TMJ Specialist Is NOT

A TMJ specialist is not simply a general or cosmetic dentist who occasionally treats jaw pain as part of a general practice. While many dentists may offer bite guards or cosmetic adjustments, these measures alone do not qualify as TMJ specialty care. General dentistry focuses on oral health, restorations, and aesthetics, not the detailed assessment of jaw joint mechanics, neuromuscular function, and the complex relationship between the jaw, muscles, and airway. True TMJ care requires specialized training and a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that addresses posture, muscle tension, sleep quality, and other contributing factors; without this focus, treatment risks being temporary, incomplete, or even counterproductive.

Why You Need a TMJ Specialist to Treat TMJ Pain

TMJ disorders (TMD) are complex, multifactorial conditions that can stem from physical misalignment, muscle tension, stress-related habits, systemic comorbidities (like arthritis), or sleep-related breathing disorders. Pain related to TMDs can be difficult to pinpoint or diagnose, making it a challenge to treat effectively.

Other symptoms of TMDs can include:

Jaw pain or stiffness
Clicking, popping, or restricted movement of the jaw
Headaches, ear discomfort, tension in the neck and shoulders
Associated issues like bruxism (grinding), sleep apnea, or referred pain from surrounding muscles

Because TMJ disorders involve a network of neuromuscular, dental, skeletal, and sometimes airway-related components,successful diagnosis and treatment go beyond cleaning teeth or adjusting bite superficially.

TMJ specialists have extensive, in-depth knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pain mechanisms, and interdisciplinary coordination. They understand how TMJ issues can lead to headaches, referred facial pain, or impact sleep quality, and they can identify these links using diagnostic imaging and comprehensive evaluation.

How to Choose the Best TMJ Specialist for Your TMJ Pain

Choosing the right TMJ specialist can have a direct and lasting impact on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall comfort. When your provider has the credentials, experience, and comprehensive approach of a top-tier TMJ specialist, you’re far more likely to achieve not just temporary relief, but meaningful, life-changing results. The difference lies in the depth of training, scope of treatment, and commitment to addressing the full range of issues contributing to your pain.

Here are 7 ways the right qualifications and experience in a TMJ specialist translate into better care:

1. Board certifications in relevant disciplines = More accurate diagnosis

Look for diplomates or members of organizations such as the American Board of Orofacial Pain, the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, or the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. These certifications are earned through rigorous training, testing, and peer review, ensuring your provider has proven expertise in diagnosing and managing complex pain and sleep-related conditions. This kind of specialized knowledge means your diagnosis will be more precise and your treatment more effective.

2. Leadership in professional organizations = Leading-edge therapies

Specialists who serve on boards, committees, or as course chairs are actively shaping the future of their field. Their involvement in setting clinical guidelines and educational standards ensures they are working at the forefront of TMJ and sleep medicine and that their patients benefit from the latest, evidence-based practices.

3. Teaching and speaking engagements = Established experts in their field

When a specialist is invited to lecture to peers or teach courses on topics like splint therapy, mandibular advancement devices, or combination therapies, it signals a high level of trust and recognition from the professional community. For patients, this means their provider isn’t just using established treatments; they’re helping to refine and advance them.

4. Contributions to research and consensus papers = More consistent results

Co-authoring influential papers, such as those defining the standards for effective oral appliances, shows a commitment to advancing the science behind TMJ care. Specialists involved in this kind of work are more likely to apply research-backed, consensus-driven methods in their practice, leading to safer, more predictable outcomes.

5. Comprehensive, patient-focused treatment offerings = More options for personalized treatment plans

The best TMJ specialists offer a full range of therapies, including splint and night guard therapy, physical therapy, muscle relaxation techniques, FDA-approved laser therapy, and trigger point injections. They also address contributing factors like posture, airway function, and sleep habits. This breadth of options allows treatment to be precisely matched to your needs rather than relying on a single, generalized solution.

6. Proven patient outcomes and experience = Expertise in treating an array of complex cases

Specialists who have treated thousands of patients and delivered hundreds or thousands of custom appliances have encountered a wide variety of cases. This experience translates into faster, more accurate diagnoses, efficient treatment planning, and the ability to manage complex situations, like patients who are CPAP-intolerant or who require combination therapy.

7. Interdisciplinary and collaborative care approach = Whole-person care that treats root causes, not just symptoms

TMJ disorders often overlap with other health issues such as sleep apnea, bruxism, or chronic headaches. The best specialists work closely with other healthcare providers—sleep physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and pain specialists—to treat the whole person, not just the jaw. This collaboration ensures all contributing factors are addressed, reducing the likelihood of recurrence and improving overall health.

Discover the Best TMJ Specialists for Your TMJ Pain at Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in The Woodlands

Dr. Katherine S. Phillips and Dr. Y.C. Joseph FischerHahm of Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in The Woodlands have dedicated their practices exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders and sleep-related breathing issues, bringing decades of combined experience to every patient they serve. Both are diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine—credentials that represent the highest level of board-certified expertise in these complex, interconnected fields–and their leadership within national organizations, including service on the board of directors and course chair roles with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, underscores the trust and respect they’ve earned from their peers.

In addition to their clinical work, Dr. Phillips and Dr. FischerHahm have made lasting contributions to the profession through research, consensus-building, and education. They have co-authored influential definitions and support papers that shape treatment standards nationwide, and they regularly lecture and train both dental and medical professionals, including sleep physician fellows at leading institutions. This commitment to advancing the field ensures that their patients benefit from the most current, evidence-based approaches available.

In practice, Dr. Phillips and Dr. FischerHahm have treated thousands of patients and delivered more than 8,000 oral appliances, offering a full spectrum of therapies ranging from splint therapy and FDA-approved laser treatments to trigger point injections, physical therapy, and comprehensive, multidisciplinary care plans. By working closely with sleep physicians, pain specialists, and allied therapists, they address not just the symptoms of TMJ disorders, but their root causes.

If you are seeking lasting relief from TMJ pain, headaches, bruxism, or sleep-related issues, Dr. Phillips and Dr. FischerHahm provide a unique combination of advanced expertise, proven results, and a truly patient-focused approach. Schedule an appointment today and find out how they can help you on the road to a healthier, happier life free from TMJ pain.

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Medical Reviewer: Dr. Katherine Phillips, DDS, MS

About The Author

Dr. Katherine Phillips, DDS, MS received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer on the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) Board of Directors and treats TMD and sleep disordered breathing at Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in the Houston, TX area.

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