Business Details
14 Years
experience
Expert Orofacial Pain & TMJ Treatment in Phoenix
Southwest Orofacial Group is recognized as a leading authority in diagnosing and treating disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), chronic headaches, migraines, orofacial pain, and dental sleep medicine. Our team of specialists brings decades of combined experience in oral medicine, orofacial pain management, and sleep apnea therapy, with a focus on evidence-based practices and patient-centered care. We maintain the highest standards of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay at the forefront of advancements in pain management and dental sleep medicine. Our doctors hold board certifications from the American Board of Orofacial Pain and American Board of Oral Medicine, ensuring expertise in complex conditions affecting the head, neck, and jaw.We specialize in treating myofascial pain, neuropathic pain, obstructive sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disorders using advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our contributions to scientific research, peer-reviewed publications, and active participation in professional dental organizations. We serve patients across multiple locations in the Phoenix metropolitan area, providing comprehensive care for both acute and chronic pain conditions that impact daily life.
Services
TMJ Treatment
Headache Management
Sleep Apnea Therapy
Orofacial Pain Relief
Oral Medicine
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Board-certified specialists in orofacial pain and oral medicine
- Personalized treatment plans for complex TMJ and headache disorders
- Advanced diagnostic tools for accurate pain condition assessment
- Active contributors to scientific research and peer-reviewed publications
- Multi-location practice serving the Phoenix metropolitan area
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Orofacial Pain
- American Board of Oral Medicine
What people say
Effective TMJ treatment
Professional staff
Personalized care
Pain relief achieved
Thorough diagnosis
Services
TMJ Treatment
Our TMJ treatment program addresses temporomandibular joint disorders through comprehensive evaluation and personalized care plans. We specialize in diagnosing and managing conditions causing jaw pain, clicking/popping sounds, and limited mouth opening. Our board-certified specialists use advanced diagnostic imaging and physical examination techniques to identify the root causes of TMJ dysfunction, which may include muscle imbalances, joint inflammation, or bite irregularities. Treatment options range from conservative approaches like custom oral appliances and physical therapy to more advanced interventions when necessary.
Headache Management
Our headache management program focuses on diagnosing and treating chronic headaches and migraines through evidence-based approaches. We identify specific headache triggers and underlying causes such as muscle tension, nerve issues, or sleep disorders. Our specialists employ a multidisciplinary approach combining medication management, lifestyle modifications, and targeted therapies to reduce headache frequency and severity. We treat various headache types including migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches using the latest advancements in pain medicine.
Sleep Apnea Therapy
Our sleep apnea therapy addresses obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring through comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans. We specialize in non-invasive alternatives to CPAP machines using custom oral appliances that maintain airway patency during sleep. Our specialists conduct thorough assessments to determine the optimal treatment approach based on individual anatomy and sleep study results. We focus on improving sleep quality and reducing associated health risks through effective airway management solutions.
Orofacial Pain Relief
Our orofacial pain program specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic facial pain conditions affecting the head, neck, and jaw regions. We manage complex pain disorders including myofascial pain, neuropathic pain, and trigeminal neuralgia through targeted interventions. Our specialists employ advanced diagnostic techniques to identify pain sources and develop comprehensive treatment plans incorporating medication management, physical therapy, and specialized pain-relief protocols tailored to each patient's needs.
Oral Medicine
Our oral medicine practice focuses on the dental aspects of systemic conditions affecting the oral cavity and sleep-related breathing disorders. We provide specialized care for patients with complex medical histories requiring coordinated dental treatment. Our specialists address oral manifestations of systemic diseases, manage patients undergoing cancer therapy, and implement dental sleep medicine protocols for sleep-disordered breathing. We integrate dental care with overall health management through a multidisciplinary approach.
People
Seena Patel
DMD MPH
Dr. Seena Patel is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and American Board of Oral Medicine. She earned her dental and public health degrees from A.T. Still University and completed residency training at the University of Southern California. Dr. Patel specializes in myofascial pain management, oral mucosal diseases, and dental sleep medicine, with research contributions to orofacial pain management and medically complex patient care.
Basilios Costaras
DDS
Dr. Basilios Costaras completed a two-year residency in Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine at UCLA. He brings specialized expertise in TMJ disorders and sleep apnea treatment to our practice. With advanced training in pain management protocols and dental sleep medicine, Dr. Costaras focuses on comprehensive care for patients with complex orofacial pain conditions.
Dharti Patel
DMD NMD
Dr. Dharti Patel holds board certification in Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain, with a Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. She completed her oral medicine residency at University Hospital and has extensive experience in treating complex orofacial pain conditions. Dr. Patel integrates holistic approaches with conventional treatments, currently pursuing naturopathic medicine training to expand her integrative care capabilities.
Georgia Peterson-Houle
DDS MS
Dr. Georgia Peterson-Houle brings specialized expertise in orofacial pain management through her advanced training and clinical experience. Her background includes academic appointments and research contributions to the field of oral medicine. Dr. Peterson-Houle focuses on comprehensive treatment of TMJ disorders and chronic facial pain conditions using evidence-based approaches.
Questions
What conditions do you specialize in treating?
We specialize in treating TMJ disorders, chronic headaches, migraines, orofacial pain, myofascial pain, neuropathic pain, and obstructive sleep apnea through comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approaches.
What makes your practice different from general dentists?
Our doctors are board-certified specialists in orofacial pain and oral medicine with advanced training beyond general dentistry, focusing specifically on complex pain conditions affecting the head, neck, and jaw regions.
Do you accept dental insurance?
We work with patients to maximize insurance benefits and provide detailed documentation for out-of-network claims, though we recommend verifying specific coverage details with your insurance provider.
What diagnostic tools do you use?
We utilize advanced diagnostic imaging, physical examination techniques, and specialized testing protocols to accurately identify the root causes of TMJ dysfunction, chronic pain, and sleep disorders.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Patients can schedule appointments through our online portal, by phone at (602) 992-1486, or by referral from their primary dental or medical care providers.
What treatment options are available?
We offer customized treatment plans incorporating oral appliances, physical therapy, medication management, and targeted interventions based on individual diagnosis and patient-specific needs.
