The Jaw Directory

Who Treats TMJ?

Dentists, orofacial pain specialists, oral surgeons, physical therapists and others, as our sources describe them.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says a doctor or dentist diagnoses TMD and starts treatment. Physical therapists provide manual therapy, and psychologists usually offer behavioral approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback. Before surgery or other treatments that permanently change the jaw, teeth or bite, NIDCR suggests getting second opinions, including from orofacial pain specialists.

Published November 2, 2026. Not medical advice.

A dentist talking with a seated patient in a bright dental office
Photo: Harold Hisona on Unsplash

This site lists providers, prices and published cost figures only. It is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed provider about your health.

Dentists, Including Orofacial Pain Dentists

NIDCR names a dentist as one of the two kinds of providers who diagnose TMD and begin treatment. Many general dentists describe TMJ exams, night guards and splints on their own websites.

Orofacial pain is a recognized dental specialty: the American Dental Association's recognition body approved it on March 31, 2020, according to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. NIDCR mentions orofacial pain specialists as one place to get a second opinion.

An empty dental chair and equipment in a bright exam room
Photo: Atikah Akhtar on Unsplash

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists who operate on the mouth and jaw. Some Asheville-area oral surgery practices also describe nonsurgical TMJ options on their own sites, such as custom bite splints and Botox injections.

NIDCR: experts recommend avoiding treatments that permanently change the jaw joints, teeth, or bite, or involve surgery, and suggest discussing benefits, risks and alternatives, and getting second opinions, before anything irreversible.

Physical Therapists

NIDCR lists manual therapy, delivered by a physical therapist, among the approaches for TMD.

In North Carolina you can see a physical therapist without a referral: the American Physical Therapy Association lists North Carolina as unrestricted direct access (June 2023). Your insurance plan may still have its own rules, so check before you book.

Some physical therapists focus on the jaw. See TMJ Massage and Jaw-Focused Manual Therapy.

A physical therapist working with a patient in a clinic
Photo: Navy Medicine on Unsplash

Others People Ask About

  • Physicians. NIDCR says a doctor, not only a dentist, can diagnose TMD and start treatment.
  • Psychologists. NIDCR says behavioral approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback are usually offered by a psychologist.
  • Licensed massage therapists and chiropractors. People ask about both for jaw work. See TMJ Massage for how we list them.

We do not rank provider types or say which one is right for you. That is a conversation for you and a licensed provider.

Check A License

Common Questions

Should I see a dentist or a doctor for TMJ?

NIDCR says either a doctor or a dentist can diagnose TMD and start treatment. Which one you see first is up to you and your insurance.

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist for TMJ in North Carolina?

No referral is required by state law: the American Physical Therapy Association lists North Carolina as unrestricted direct access (June 2023). Your insurance plan may still require one for coverage.

What is an orofacial pain specialist?

A dentist in orofacial pain, which the American Dental Association's recognition body approved as a dental specialty on March 31, 2020, according to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.

Should I get a second opinion before TMJ surgery?

NIDCR suggests discussing benefits, risks and alternatives and getting second opinions before any treatment that permanently changes the jaw joints, teeth or bite, or involves surgery.

How do I check a provider's license in North Carolina?

Use the NC State Board of Dental Examiners lookup for dentists and oral surgeons, the NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners lookup for physical therapists, and the NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy for massage therapists.

Sources