Board-Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist · Founder, South Bay TMJ Institute
Board certification, advanced residency training, and an academic appointment at UCLA define Dr. Eric Grin’s expertise in orofacial pain and interventional pain therapies.
The highest credential in the field. Held by fewer than 500 specialists worldwide.
Recognized expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of orofacial pain disorders.
Specialized training in headache and migraine diagnosis and management.
Foundation clinical training in dental medicine and oral surgery.
Advanced training in population health, epidemiology, and clinical research.
Assistant Professor, Section of Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain.
Dr. Paul Grin is a board-certified orofacial pain specialist with over 32 years of experience diagnosing and treating conditions of the jaw, face, head, and neck. He is the founder of South Bay TMJ, Sleep, Headache & Orofacial Pain Institute in Torrance, CA — the first practice of its kind in the South Bay area.
Dr. Grin is known for his thorough diagnostic approach and his commitment to conservative, non-surgical treatment. He sees one patient at a time and takes 45 to 60 minutes for initial evaluations because he believes an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.
Many of his patients are complex cases who have seen multiple other doctors without finding relief. The American Academy of Orofacial Pain reports that the average TMJ patient spends 4.2 years and sees 5.3 clinicians before finding the right specialist. Dr. Grin’s practice exists to shorten that journey.
Dr. Grin uses a holistic approach that considers the whole patient, not just isolated symptoms. He believes in treating the underlying cause of pain rather than simply managing symptoms. His treatment plans often combine multiple strategies — physical therapy, psychological support, nutrition guidance, and advanced regenerative therapies — tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
His care extends beyond each office visit. Dr. Grin consistently works to accommodate his patients’ needs throughout the entire treatment process, coordinating with neurologists, physical therapists, dietitians, and other specialists when needed.
Dr. Grin serves as Assistant Professor in the Section of Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain, teaching in both classroom and clinical settings while contributing to research in TMJ disorders and treatment outcomes.
Dr. Grin serves as an expert witness and forensic consultant in California legal matters involving orofacial pain, TMJ disorders, and related conditions. He provides expert reports and testimony for federal and state court proceedings.
Practical answers to the questions we hear most often when patients are deciding whether to schedule with Dr. Grin.
Your first appointment with Dr. Grin lasts 45 to 60 minutes. He will take the time to review your medical history, listen to your symptoms, and perform a thorough exam of your jaw, face, head, and neck. By the end of your visit, you will have a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Grin sees only one patient at a time, so your appointment will not feel rushed.
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Yes. South Bay TMJ is in-network with most major insurance plans and accepts Medicare. For Medicare recipients with supplemental coverage, treatment is fully covered. Our team will work with you and your insurance company to clarify your benefits before treatment begins.
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Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor or dentist. Check with your insurance company before scheduling. If a referral is needed, please have it ready before your appointment. You are also welcome to call our office directly to schedule.
After years of seeing different doctors, Dr. Grin finally identified what was actually wrong with my jaw and headaches. The treatment plan worked and I’m finally living without daily pain.
Dr. Grin took 60 minutes for my first appointment. He listened carefully and explained everything. After 4 years of being passed between doctors, I finally felt heard and understood.
Schedule your evaluation with our board-certified orofacial pain specialists and start your path to lasting recovery.
We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.
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