Ghabi A. Kaspo, D.D.S. TMJ and Orofacial Pain Management

Dr. Ghabi Kaspo has been practicing dentistry, primarily in the field of Orthodontics, Orofacial Pain Management and TMJ Disorders for the past seventeen years. His scholastic achievements include: a D.D.S. and a D. Orth. from Damascus university; a D.D.S. from University of Detroit Mercy; and a Certificate of training in TMJ and Orofacial Pain Management from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He received a Certificate of Training in TMJ and Orofacial Pain Management after completing a one-year full time fellowship program. He also earned a Diplomate form the American Board of Orofacial Pain. He is the former president of the Central Branch of the Detroit District Dental Society.

Dr. Kaspo is a Diplomat of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine

Additionally, Dr. Kaspo has attended more than six hundred hours of continuing education in the past four years related to Facial Pain and TMJ Disorders. Also, he has written a few articles related to TMJ Imaging, Fibromyalgia in TMJ patients, and Sleep Disorders in TMJ patients. The articles were published in different journals.

His practice is exclusively devoted to treating Orofacial Pain and TMJ Disorders patients. He believes in a multidisciplinary approach and, it is imperative that he works very closely with his patients and referring doctors to achieve optimal treatment results.

Dr. Kaspo is on staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital of Pontiac and Macomb and Wayne State University - Detroit Medical Centers.

Diagnosis of TMJ problems starts with a complete history, an evaluation of dental problems, a physical exam and x-rays. Additional tests may be ordered for a conclusive diagnosis.

Treatment of a TMJ disorder can include both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Your healthcare provider initially may prescribe a combination of non-surgical treatments, including:

• anti-inflammatory medications
• muscle relaxants
• physical therapy exercises
• stress management techniques; psychotherapy
• special mechanical devices, such as a bite guard to use while sleeping to minimize the effects of teeth grinding or braces
• ice or moist heat to reduce tenderness or pain
• eliminate gum chewing; avoid hard and chewy foods

Surgery is generally recommended if non-surgical approaches have not worked. Less than five percent of people with TMJ end up needing surgery, which usually involves arthroscopy or opening the joint to view and treat the problem.

If you experience ongoing head, face, or neck pain, talk with your dentist or healthcare provider about the possibility of TMJ syndrome. Many people think they just have to live with the continuous dull ache of TMJ. But it doesn't have to be that way. You CAN get relief from TMJ!