Raleigh NC
Things to Consider When Choosing a TMJ Specialist
July 8th, 2014
If you are suffering from the restricted opening of your mouth, you may have TMJ. While it is easy enough to simply look at reviews online to pick a TMJ specialist to inspect your jaw, there are certain things to consider before settling on one physician.
At Raleigh Facial Pain Center, we want to make sure you get all the information you need to choose a qualified TMJ dentist or doctor who will help you live comfortably and pain-free once again.
When choosing a doctor to treat your TMJ, you want to make sure they are:
- Board-certified. Currently, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not have a defined specialty in orofacial pain, but the American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP) offers certification with Diplomate status. A Diplomate is a dentist who is certified by the American Board of Orofacial Pain, and has gone above and beyond the mandatory educational requirements for their specialty. To be qualified for Board certification, they must be certified as a dentist, including basic college education and completion of dental school to earn a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree; have taken at least 400 hours of continuing education in subjects related to orofacial pain; and have practiced in orofacial pain for at least two years. Candidates can also qualify if they have completed at least one year of a full-time university residency program or hospital-based program. After the above requirements are met, comprehensive oral and written examinations are given covering all phases of orofacial pain. Once the examinations are successfully completed, Diplomate status is awarded.
- Residency-trained. Some dentists complete residency and/or fellowship after completion of dental school. During residency, dentists undergo in-depth training in a particular field of study to become an expert in that field.
Reach Out to Raleigh Facial Pain for Help Choosing a TMJ Specialist
We want to make sure you are protected when you seek treatment for your TMJ problems. If you need help choosing a specialist, please don’t hesitate to contact Raleigh Facial Pain Center today at (919) 781-6600. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have or to schedule you an appointment with one of our physicians.
