southbay tmj logo
Appointment
(310) 933-3077
― Patient Resources

Your first visit. What to expect.

45 to 60 Minute Evaluations · Never Double-Booked · Torrance, California

Most new patients have spent years searching for answers. We don’t rush the first appointment. You’ll have 45 to 60 minutes of one-on-one time with a board-certified orofacial pain specialist who will listen, examine, and explain.

Visit Length
45-60 min
Format
One patient at a time
Location
Torrance, CA
Patient resources page showing an older couple smiling outdoors
Your time, reserved

One patient at a time

We never double-book. The time you reserve is yours alone.

― Quick access

Get what you need in seconds.

Already know what you’re looking for? Jump straight to forms, insurance details, or service area information.

01 · Save time

Patient Forms

Download and complete your forms before your visit so we can spend the full appointment focused on you.
Download Forms →
02 · Plan ahead

Insurance & Financing

See accepted plans, learn about Medicare coverage, and explore payment options before your appointment.
View Insurance Info →
03 · Find us

Areas We Serve

We treat patients from across the South Bay, including Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes.

View Service Area →
― Why your first visit matters

What TMJ and orofacial pain are — and why they can be so hard to diagnose.

An evaluation that won't be rushed.

Our first appointment is designed to give your doctor a complete picture of your condition. We schedule 45 to 60 minutes for this visit because we never rush through evaluations. We see only one patient at a time, so the time you reserve is yours alone.

Many of our patients have seen multiple providers before coming to us. Some have spent years searching for the right diagnosis. We take the time to listen, examine, and explain so you leave your first visit with answers and a clear path forward.

45-60

Minutes for your first visit. Most specialty practices schedule 15 to 30 minutes for a new-patient evaluation. We allow up to six times that, because an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.

― Your visit, step by step

What to expect during your appointment.

Four steps. From the moment you sit down with your doctor through the diagnosis and treatment plan you leave with.

Step 01 · Getting to know you

A real conversation about what you're going through.

Your doctor will sit down with you to review your medical history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and understand how your condition affects your life. This is not a checklist exercise. The conversation itself is part of the diagnostic process.

refer Patient reviews and Your first visit with a provider reviewing notes with a smiling patient
Step 02 · Comprehensive examination

A hands-on, head-to-shoulder exam.

Your doctor will perform a thorough exam of your jaw, face, head, and neck. This includes checking how your jaw moves, listening for clicking or popping, testing the muscles for tenderness, and evaluating your bite. For sleep concerns, your doctor will assess your airway and breathing patterns.
what is TMJ disorder TMJ orofacial pain exam with a healthcare worker checking a patient’s mouth
Step 03 · Diagnostic testing (if needed)

In-office technology that fits the case.

Depending on your symptoms, you may need additional testing during your first visit or at a follow-up. Our office is equipped with low-radiation CT scans, neurosensory testing, electromyography (EMG), and joint vibration analysis.
A woman in scrubs holds and examines a dental X-ray sheet showing multiple views of teeth and jaw.
Step 04 · Diagnosis & treatment plan

You leave knowing what's wrong and what's next.

By the end of your first visit, your doctor will share a diagnosis and explain a personalized treatment plan. You will understand what is causing your pain, what treatment options are available, and what to expect going forward. Your doctor will answer all of your questions before you leave.
A woman sits across from a healthcare professional in an office, engaged in conversation with a clipboard and pen on the desk between them.
― Before & after

What happens around your visit.

Four steps. From the moment you sit down with your doctor through the diagnosis and treatment plan you leave with.
Before your appointment

To make the most of your first visit, please:

  • Bring your insurance card and a valid photo ID
  • Bring relevant medical records, imaging (CT, MRI, X-rays), or sleep study results
  • Make a list of all medications you currently take
  • Write down your symptoms and what makes them better or worse
  • Have a referral ready, if your insurance requires one
After your appointment

Once your evaluation wraps up, our team will:

  • Schedule any follow-up appointments needed
  • Begin any treatment that was discussed and agreed upon
  • Work with your insurance company on pre-authorizations
  • Provide written instructions for any at-home care
  • Coordinate with your other providers when needed
  • Be available to answer questions between visits
― What to bring

A simple checklist.

Tap each item to mark it off as you pack. The list saves automatically while you scroll. Print it or save it to your phone for reference on the day of your visit.

Day-of checklist

Use this list before leaving for your appointment. Bring anything that may help your doctor understand your symptoms, treatment history, and insurance requirements.

Required items

Helpful medical information

Before you arrive

`; const iframe = document.createElement('iframe'); iframe.setAttribute('aria-hidden', 'true'); iframe.style.position = 'fixed'; iframe.style.right = '0'; iframe.style.bottom = '0'; iframe.style.width = '0'; iframe.style.height = '0'; iframe.style.border = '0'; iframe.srcdoc = srcdoc; document.body.appendChild(iframe); setTimeout(() => { if (iframe && iframe.parentNode) { iframe.parentNode.removeChild(iframe); } }, 5000); }
Book appointment form for South Bay TMJ patients requesting care
― Where to find us

Located in Torrance serving the South Bay.

Our office is located on Torrance Boulevard, near the Courthouse and the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Plenty of free parking is available in the lot beside our building.
Address
3475 Torrance Blvd Suite H, Torrance, CA 90503
Free on-site parking available
Phone
(310) 933-3077
Call or click here for appointments
Hours
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Service Area

South Bay

Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach

― Common questions

Common questions about your first visit.

Practical answers to what most patients ask before booking.

A gray upholstered sofa sits in the center of a waiting room with blue chairs, two potted plants, and three beach-themed photos on the wall behind it.
How long is the first appointment?

Your first visit lasts 45 to 60 minutes. This allows your doctor to review your history, perform a complete examination, and develop a diagnosis and treatment plan. We do not rush through evaluations.

Do I need a referral?

Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor or dentist. Please check with your insurance company before scheduling. If a referral is required, have it ready before your appointment. You can also call our office directly to schedule without a referral if your plan allows it.

What if I have already been seen by other doctors?

Many of our patients have seen multiple providers before coming to us. Bring any records, imaging, or notes from previous doctors. This information helps your doctor avoid repeating tests and gives a more complete picture of your condition and treatment history.

Will I get a diagnosis at the first visit?

In most cases, yes. Your doctor will explain what they found and what is likely causing your symptoms before you leave. Occasionally, additional imaging or testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis. If that happens, your doctor will explain what is required and help arrange the next step.

Will I start treatment at my first visit?

In many cases, your doctor can discuss treatment options and begin initial steps at your first visit. Some treatments, like oral appliances, require custom fabrication and will begin at a follow-up appointment. Your doctor will explain the timeline during your visit.

Do I need to bring imaging or records?

Yes, if you have any. Bring medical records, imaging, sleep study results, reports, or notes from previous providers. MRI, CT, panoramic X-rays, and prior sleep studies can all be useful. If you do not have imaging, that is fine. Your doctor will determine whether new imaging is needed.

What is the difference between an orofacial pain specialist and a regular dentist?

An orofacial pain specialist completes advanced training focused on conditions affecting the jaw joint, jaw muscles, head, neck, and facial nerves. General dentists primarily treat teeth and gums. Orofacial pain is a recognized dental specialty, and patients with TMJ disorders, facial pain, headaches, or sleep-related jaw issues may need this more specialized type of care.

Is parking available?

Yes. Plenty of free parking is available in the lot beside our building on Torrance Boulevard, near the Courthouse and Torrance Cultural Arts Center.

― Schedule Your Consultation

Schedule your first visit.

Reach out by phone or request an appointment online. Our team will help you confirm insurance and prepare for your evaluation.

Call (310) 933-3077
Request an Appointment Online

We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.