Re: TMJ doctor.....

I can point you to a great TMJ specialist: Dr. Jeff Okeson, University of KY. Websites are:
http://www.jeffokeson.com/
and
http://www.mc.uky.edu/Dentistry/students/ofp/faculty.html


I'm a long term patient who travels from out of state and have had fabulous luck with him and with his approach using a biteguard in correcting and managing a dislocated disc and tmj/tmd issues. He very much supports a non invasive approach and is excellent.

He has published more research on the subject matter than most anyone here in the US and is considered an international authority on the subject. His textbook on the subject is the most widely used in US Dental Schools. UK has the top orofacial pain program in the country (designed by him) and was the first be accedited. Dr. Okeson is very engaging, explains everything in a very simple, easy to understand manner and is very conservative in approach. His staff is very friendly and helpful.

There will be a wait to get in as he travels much but it is well worth it. He has a resident with him at all times observing. Like you, I have insurance issues as well, but they are extremely low cost compared to specialists in my state (whom I had a bad experience with) without his expertise and training. Roughly $100 per appointment as I recall and he may be able to use your splint if you already have one and x-rays and mri's. He has you bring all of your past records/xrays/mri's with you first visit and goes through all past treatment in great detail. You need to allow a half day for the first visit. If you can't wait for him, I suggest getting an appointment with another faculty member is his department as they all use the same approach as Dr. Okeson is the department chair and began the program.

The only other accredited programs on University of Minnesota and UCLA. Many of UK's patients are from out of state. Tweet