SoCal TMJ & Headache — Orofacial Pain Specialist Los Angeles
TMJ & Headache Specialist · Los Angeles
Orofacial pain specialist finding the answer for TMJ disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, and chronic craniofacial pain. Board-qualified specialist Dr. Sang H. Chung, DMD.
You didn’t fail the treatments.
The diagnosis failed you.
Your Specialist
Dr. Sang H. Chung, DMD
Board Qualified Orofacial Pain Specialist
Most patients who find this practice have already seen five or more providers. Each was competent within their discipline — dental, neurological, surgical. What was missing: someone whose only job is finding the answer to your pain.
I trained to do one thing: isolate the driver of your pain before anyone treats it. Joint, nerve, muscle, or vascular — the treatment only works when the target is correct. That is the only standard I practice.
Education & Training
- Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine Certification, University of Southern California
- Board Qualified Orofacial Pain Specialist
Professional Affiliations
American Academy of Orofacial Pain · American College of Oral Medicine · International Classification of Orofacial Pain · American Dental Association · California Dental Association
The Diagnostic Imperative
Diagnosis Before Treatment.
Orofacial pain is among the most misdiagnosed conditions in medicine. Patients cycle through dentists, neurologists, ENTs, and pain clinics — often for years — receiving symptomatic care that never identifies the actual source.
Our principle is simple: find the answer before treating the symptom. Without knowing what is driving your pain — joint, nerve, muscle, or vascular — treatment is guesswork.
Symptomatic Relief
- Treats the site of pain, not the source.
- Relies on serial prescriptions without first identifying what is driving your pain.
- Symptoms recur because the diagnosis was never established.
Finding the Answer
- Identifies the driver of your pain before any treatment begins.
- On-site 3D imaging, nerve mapping, and hands-on examination — not assumptions.
- Treatment matches the confirmed cause — not the guess.
Scope of Practice
Conditions We Diagnose & Treat.
Clinical Protocol
The Diagnostic Process.
- Complete pain history — character, location, intensity, triggers, and temporal pattern
- Review of prior imaging, treatments, and provider notes you bring to the visit
- Cranial nerve examination, jaw range-of-motion testing, and intraoral assessment
- Screening for contributing psychosocial factors that influence pain perception
You Receive
A preliminary pain profile identifying the most likely diagnostic category
- On-site CBCT provides immediate, high-resolution 3D craniofacial evaluation — eliminating the delay and fragmentation of external imaging referrals
- Coordination of high-field MRI via our preferred partners when intra-articular or neurological conditions are suspected
- Quantitative sensory testing to detect and map neuropathic pain patterns
- Laboratory workup when systemic or inflammatory contributors are indicated
You Receive
Objective diagnostic data correlated with your clinical examination findings
- Structured identification using the International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP) diagnostic framework
- DC/TMD diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder subtyping
- Identifying whether your pain is driven by your joint, nerve, blood vessels, or has no clear source
- Ruling out pain referred from other areas of the body
You Receive
A confirmed diagnosis — the answer, not another symptom label
- Evidence-based pharmacologic management specific to the confirmed diagnosis
- Physical therapy or orofacial myofunctional therapy referrals when indicated
- Behavioral pain management integration for chronic pain modulation
- Coordinated referral to neurosurgery or other specialists only when warranted by diagnosis
You Receive
A written treatment plan with measurable milestones and follow-up schedule
The Shortcut
The shortest distance between your pain and the answer.
The average patient sees five or more providers before finding the cause. Each specialist examines through their own lens. What was missing: one clinician whose only job is to figure out what is actually driving your pain.
The Referral Loop
- Pain begins. Patient presents to a general dentist or primary care provider for structural evaluation.
- Referral to endodontist, neurologist, ENT — each provider examines through their specialized lens.
- External imaging ordered case-by-case, with days or weeks between each referral.
- Symptomatic relief prescribed at each stop. The answer is never found.
3D Imaging → The Answer → Targeted Treatment
- On-site CBCT provides high-resolution 3D craniofacial evaluation on the first visit.
- Systematic identification using international diagnostic criteria — not assumptions.
- A clear diagnosis: joint, nerve, muscle, or vascular — backed by imaging and testing.
- Treatment protocol built on the confirmed cause, not conjecture.
Is This Practice Right for You?
Honesty About What We Are — and What We Are Not.
We want to be transparent about what this practice offers — not because we are selective, but because you deserve to know what to expect before you invest your time, money, and hope in another provider. We know you may have already been disappointed. We do not want to add to that.
What We Offer
- A clear clinical diagnosis for complex orofacial pain — not another symptom label or 'let's try this' approach.
- Treatment planning based on the confirmed cause — not on trends, anecdotes, or trial-and-error.
- A specialist who has dedicated an entire career to one question: what is actually causing this patient's pain?
- Honest communication. If we do not believe our scope is the right match for your condition, we will tell you — and help you find someone who is.
What to Consider Before Reaching Out
- Our process is thorough and requires multiple appointments. If you are seeking same-day resolution for a chronic condition, we understand — but we may not be the fastest path.
- We do not offer surgical intervention. If your condition has been confirmed as requiring surgery, we will refer you directly to the appropriate surgical specialist.
- We practice evidence-based medicine. This means our recommendations are grounded in published research — not in trends, anecdotes, or guarantees of outcomes.
- We ask you to participate actively in your care — keeping pain diaries, attending follow-ups, and engaging with the treatment plan. Diagnosis is collaborative.
If you have been living with undiagnosed orofacial pain and you are ready to find out what is actually causing it — not just manage the symptoms — we are here. And if, after reviewing your intake, we believe another provider is a better match, we will tell you that directly. You will not be left without a path forward.
Investment & Insurance
Transparency in Cost.
Diagnostic Consultation
$450 — $650
Comprehensive 90-minute initial evaluation including clinical examination, imaging review, and preliminary diagnosis. Exact fee depends on the complexity of your condition and diagnostic imaging required.
Insurance & Reimbursement
- We provide detailed superbills for out-of-network insurance reimbursement.
- Many PPO plans partially cover specialist consultations.
- Our office can assist with pre-authorization when applicable.
- HSA and FSA funds may be applied to diagnostic services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions.
What causes chronic TMJ pain?
Chronic TMJ pain can originate from multiple sources: the joint itself (disc displacement, degenerative changes), the muscles (myofascial pain), or the nerves. Finding the answer requires clinical examination, advanced imaging, and sensory testing — not assumption.
How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?
Trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis requires separating it from other orofacial pain conditions through clinical examination, quantitative sensory testing, and coordination of high-field MRI via preferred partners to rule out neurovascular compression. Diagnosis follows ICOP criteria to confirm the neuropathic source before any treatment begins.
What should I expect during the first visit?
Your initial consultation is 60–90 minutes and includes a complete pain history, review of prior imaging and treatments, cranial nerve exam, jaw range-of-motion testing, and screening for contributing factors. You receive a preliminary pain profile identifying the most likely diagnostic category.
Do you accept insurance?
We provide a detailed superbill for insurance reimbursement. Payment is collected at the time of service. Our team assists with claim submission, but coverage depends on your individual plan. Diagnostic consultations range from $450–$650.
How long does treatment typically take?
Treatment duration depends on the diagnosed condition and its severity. The diagnostic phase (assessment, imaging, diagnosis) typically takes 1–2 weeks. Therapeutic protocols are individualized and range from weeks to months based on the confirmed source and response to evidence-based interventions.
Wilshire Boulevard
Koreatown
Los Angeles
California · By Appointment Only