Thamer M. Musbah, DDS
Thamer M. Musbah, DDS
- Division Chief, Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine, and Oral Radiology
- Director, Dental Urgent Care Clinic
Specialties
Conditions
- Oral cancer
- TMJ pain / temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
- Chronic facial and jaw pain
- Jaw muscle pain (myofascial pain)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
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- Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias
- Neuropathic oral and facial pain
- Persistent unexplained tooth pain
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Oral lichen planus (Oral lichen planus)
- Mucous membrane pemphigoid (Oral pemphigoid)
- Pemphigus (Oral pemphigus)
- Recurrent mouth sores (aphthous ulcers)
- Oral lesions and oral potentially malignant disorders
- Oral cancer evaluation
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) and salivary gland dysfunction
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Oral manifestations of systemic diseases
- Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring (oral appliance therapy)
- CPAP intolerance (evaluation for oral appliance therapy)
Procedures Performed
- Custom oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring (mandibular advancement devices)
- Oral soft tissue biopsy
- Minor salivary gland (lip) biopsy for evaluation of Sjögren’s syndrome
- Salivary flow testing (sialometry)
- Trigger point injections for jaw muscle pain
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- Trigger point injections for neck muscle pain
- Intralesional corticosteroid injections for oral lesions
About
Dr. Thamer Musbah is an Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and is board-certified in Oral Medicine, Orofacial Pain, and Dental Sleep Medicine. He serves as Chief of the Division of Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine, and Oral Radiology and Director of the Dental Urgent Care Clinic at UK HealthCare.
Dr. Musbah focuses on the diagnosis and management of complex oral and facial conditions, including persistent or unexplained symptoms, oral mucosal diseases, chronic pain, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
His oral medicine practice includes the evaluation and management of oral lesions, recurrent mouth ulcers, oral lichen planus, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as pemphigus and mucous membrane pemphigoid, and oral potentially malignant disorders. He also cares for patients with dry mouth (xerostomia), salivary gland dysfunction, Sjögren’s syndrome, and burning mouth symptoms. Diagnostic services include oral soft tissue biopsies, minor salivary gland biopsies, and salivary flow testing.
In orofacial pain, Dr. Musbah evaluates and manages temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ pain), chronic jaw and facial pain, masticatory muscle pain, trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic oral pain, and persistent tooth pain without an identifiable dental cause. His approach emphasizes accurate diagnosis, conservative treatment, and coordinated care when appropriate.
As a board-certified dental sleep provider, he offers custom oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, including for patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Services include appliance fitting, adjustment, and follow-up in coordination with sleep medicine providers.
His approach emphasizes evidence-based, individualized care and avoiding unnecessary or ineffective treatment.
Faculty Rank
- Associate Professor
Training & Education
Degree
Residency
Fellowship
Certifications and Special Training
Insurance Information
Insurance policies can vary widely. Please check with your doctor/clinic for specific insurance information before your visit or procedure to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
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