Dr. John Kim, DDS

19742 MacArthur Blvd # 224, Irvine, CA 92612

Dr. John Kim graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in civil engineering in 1996. Later, he pursued his interests in engineering smiles by graduating from University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 2002. His dental education continued with post-graduate residency training at the University of California, Los Angeles. In this position, he treated a wide range of medically compromised and dental phobic patients. Dr. Kim also completed an oral surgery internship at the West Los Angeles Veterans Medical Center where he served as chief resident in 2005.

Dr. John Kim, DDS - General dentist in Irvine, CA

Dr. Kim found his true interest in treating patients with jaw pain, facial pain and sleep apnea. A two year fellowship in Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine was completed at UCLA in 2009, where he was again elected as chief resident. There are only 6 such programs in the US with less than two dozen graduates per year.

Originally from Washington D.C., Dr. Kim has found his home in Southern California where he met his wife. In his spare time, Dr. Kim enjoys playing basketball, snowboarding, learning golf, and finding good cheap eats.

Reviews

Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 71 reviews

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Jan Barrett
a year ago
I am so fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Kim for treatment of sleep apnea. The oral appliance has helped me sleep normally, and I feel rested and refreshed each morning. Dr. Kim and his staff are professional, personable, and helpful.


Angela Seo
a year ago
I've been working with Dr. Kim since February 2022 to treat my TMJ (basically jaw clenching and teeth grinding). I was initially looking into treating it with botox injections but tried Dr. Kim's treatment of orthodics, stretches, and exercises to retrain my bite. It's been effective in reducing the tension and pain associated with nighttime grinding, as well as teaching me what a relaxed bite should be so that I eliminate daytime clenching as well. I've been happy with the results thus far and Dr. Kim has been attentive and accommodating to changes needed in my equipment.


Patrechi Thayer
a year ago
I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. I learned that I did not have to wear a CPAP machine. Which I was very grateful., because I did not want to wear a mask over my face. Dr. Kim is a dentist -whom introduced me to Somma med . I was able to wear this appliance that fits like a retainer in your mouth. It took me about a week to get used to it. I repeated my sleep study and I went from 17 down to 5 and below, which is considered normal. I don't feel fatigue like I did before. I'm not getting up 3 to 4 times at night to go to the bathroom. The Somma med is easy to take with you while traveling. I just went to Peru the Somma med Iis small and easy to carry with you on a carry-on. I truly recommend the dental appliance Somma med. Dr. Kim did all of my fittings and adjustments that I needed.. He is professional and kind and listens to your needs. " don't be stuck with a face-mask that is big and the CPAP machine is loud . when you can wear a device that looks like retainers!!!!


Meg Bond
a year ago
Dr. Kim is WONDERFUL! He is knowledgeable, informative and extremely caring! I highly recommend him to others!


Heather P
2 years ago
I am so thankful I came across Dr. Kim. I had been struggling with my jaw pain for about 2 years and went to just about every doctor/therapist you could think of and did just about every treatment there was, yet nothing helped. Because of my jaw pain, I had terrible earaches, headaches and I didn't feel comfortable opening my mouth wide because my jaw would pop. I can confidently say after the treatment Dr. Kim has given me, my jaw pops about 85% less and my jaw feels tremendously more comfortable. I now have NO earaches and NO headaches anymore. I never thought I'd be able to say that again. I truly wish I found him earlier and I would recommend him to anyone from now forward! Thank you so much Dr. Kim for helping me feel normal again, really thank you.


hyunjin
2 years ago
I came back to check the reviews for this place as I am still struggling an year later due to the splint he made me. For some reason, my review doesn't appear for only here when checking on my phone so I am editing this to make sure this review shows. The splint/device he made me gave me an INSANELY large open bite that if I bite into a piece of paper with my front teeth, it slides right back out. My top and bottom teeth have an inch wide gap from the splints he gave me; they don't even come shut together. I visited two other TMJ specialists and they all asked me where I got such a terribly made splint (they said it was way too bulky). Well if two other specialists say the same thing, I'd believe that. I also paid $3000 for the whole treatment which is 2 horribly made splints and they won't even issue a partial refund. My TMJ issue also got worse after wearing the splints which is understandable considering how my teeth aren't even able to come together anymore thanks to him. Also, everytime I try to schedule an appointment, they seem to have a slot every single hour and day which also means they don't even have patients. Please don't call me again if you're going to talk on and on about how you weren't purposely trying to mess up my jaw and that you went through some program at UCLA. I simply don't care and unless you want to issue me a refund, don't even bother calling me.


Kerry Morford
2 years ago
First of all, I had a very difficult time finding a doctor who treated TMJ. Fortunately, I stumbled on Dr. John Kim and checked his reviews which were all excellent. Even though his office was roughly an hour away, I decided he was my best bet to fix my TMJ problem. I'm so glad I did. He and his staff were professional and courteous, and most importantly he explained the cause and what would be his treatment plan. Even more important his treatment plan was successful and now I can open my mouth normally (and eat sub sandwiches and hamburgers!) I am grateful to Dr. Kim for his treatment and highly recommend him for TMJ. Thank you Dr. Kim!


Devin
2 years ago
I used to be plagued by sleep apnea, but Dr Kim fitted me with an oral appliance that has effectively eliminated it. Now I feel so much better everyday. Way better than using a CPAP machine. Dr Kim was kind and easy to work with, and even got my oral appliance tightened when it had become loose. I would recommend him to anyone else looking for sleep apnea treatment


MR Quvdo
2 years ago
Dr John Kim is amazing. I want to Thanks him for his patience and knowledge. When I went the first time to his office I was in a lot of jaw pain on top of that I have sleep apnea and my sleep device wasn't helping me I love how Dr Kim took his time to explain my conditions with me as well my treatment options, he was very helpful. Now Im pain free and my sleep has improve greatly. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DR JOHN KIM TO ANYONE. Plus his staff is also wonderful.


Tagreed Sidrak
2 years ago
Incredible results!! My initial consultation with Dr. Kim was on 2/22 where he asked me if I would be happy with a 20% improvement in my case. I said absolutely. Now here we are in July and I can confidently say I am almost 100% and he exceeded all expectations. My advice to all is to follow his protocol and all necessary steps. Forever grateful and thankful for Dr. Kim!


L. Ritchie
2 years ago
Dr. Kim and his staff were great to work with. They did a great job explaining how an "oral appliance" could be an alternative cure for sleep apnea to the c-pap machines that are loud and cumbersome. I especially liked how Dr. Kim used the latest technology to assure that the appliance would fit perfectly and be comfortable to wear. After the second night wearing the device, I slept through the night for the first time in years! I went from extreme fatigue and exhaustion from getting zero REM sleep, to waking up feeling rested and energetic! Truly a miracle! I was blown away by how quickly things could turn around. My expectations were far exceeded thanks to Dr. Kim.


susan requejo
2 years ago
My experience with getting the sleep device from Dr. Kim has changed my life! I have struggled with sleep problems and insomnia for years. I have tried everything from nasal strips to nasal surgery, to trial of CPAP. I finally was referred for an oral appliance by Kaiser. I had no idea how the airway can be closed off by the position of my jaw when I am on my back and how the dental mouthpiece can change that. When I first saw the device and the complexity of adjusting it, I was a bit skeptical. But after trying it I was sold! I don't go a night without it and my sleep is so much improved! I feel rested during the day. I did go very slowly with adjusting the screws and just wore the device first for about a week and then adjusted. I had a follow up call with Dr. Kim on Zoom which was very convenient for me and he took all the time and patience to answer all of my questions. I would recommend anyone to Dr. Kim for SLeep or TMJ problemsl. The detail, precision and caring of Dr. Kim is what makes the difference! My expectations were far exceeded thanks to Dr. Kim.


Zo Zocorro
2 years ago
I was referred to Dr. John H. Kim by the Kaiser Permanente Medical group's sleep center after I was initially referred to another dentist for what I have been told was my very severe sleep apnea. That first dentist that I saw hurt me that I thought he either dislocated or broke my jaw. Dr. Kim is a true professional committed to care of his patients. I am so thankful that I was able to have Dr. Kim see me for the sleep disorder and his having prescribed an oral device for the apnea, which has made a world of difference to me and my quality of life. Dr. Kim, I want to thank Kaiser Permanente Medical in Fontana for allowing me to be your patient. I would advise the entire Kaiser Permanente Medical group organization to have on board qualified dentists of your caliber to assist sleep disordered patients in getting much needed help to solve their sleep problems. Thank you, AB


Alan Holst
2 years ago
If you have sleep apnea, you need to see Dr. Lee before investing in a CPAP. I have been using the device he prescribes for a few months now and it makes an incredible difference in my sleep quality. There isn't time to explain the process here, but trust me, the time involved in creating the mouth guard and the slight discomfort of getting used to it will pay off in better quality sleep.


Alex Argota
2 years ago
I came to Dr.Kim with CPAP issues and he completely solved them. My CPAP was causing anxiety and as much as I cleaned the device , I was beginning to develop a rash around the back of my head from the straps and around my mouth from the facial portion. Dr. Kim and his staff took a measurement of my mouth and provided a mouth piece that fit perfectly. The difference in sleep was immediate. No longer do I snore as the device holds my jaw in a position to alleviate my younger from rolling back in my throat. What a life changing device and experience for both myself and my wife. I am better rested and overall more pleasant due to that rest. Thank you Dr. Kim Alejandro


Deneil Howze
2 years ago
Dr. Kim is amazing! After several visits with my primary care physician, my dentist, a chiropractor, ENT Specialist, and a physical therapist, DR. KIM WAS THE ONLY DOCTOR WHO WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE SOME RELIEF. Not only was he very confident with his diagnosis, he was able to explain in detail what was causing the pain. In addition, his staff is top notch and provides excellent customer service. If you feel like you're running out of options and think it could be TMJ, go and see Dr. Kim!


Joel Graves
2 years ago
Dr Kim did an amazing job, with my mouth guard, and it has helped me significantly to minimize snoring. I would highly recommend him and his staff. Really glad I was referred to him. thank you.


cheryl chow
2 years ago
I went to Dr Kim for jaw pain and soreness as a result of clenching during the day and grinding at night. Dr Kim and his team were extremely professional and thorough. I got a day and night guard custom fitted and any time I felt discomfort, they were able to adjust them very quickly. After 4 months of using both day and night guards along with exercises Dr Kim gave me to relieve tension, I can honestly say my discomfort level has gone from an 8 to a 2. I would highly recommend anyone experiencing TMJ or jaw pain to see Dr Kim and his team!


Bonnie Soto
2 years ago
I have been struggling with TMJ for years. I had tried every kind of mouth guard to wear at night, but was never able to fall asleep wearing one. The grinding got so bad, that I had head and neck pain as well as constant migraines. After seeing an ENT, I was diagnosed with vestibular migraines, a result of my TMJ. I was referred to Dr Kim for help. Dr Kim was able to fit me with two mouth guards - one for day and one for night - that I was able to wear! I am now down to only wearing the night guard, and I don't even notice it! Along with some techniques he taught me, I am finally getting some relief from my pain and tension. I highly recommend Dr Kim if you are struggling with TMJ!


Aditya Iyengar
2 years ago
An absolutely phenomenal tmj specialist. I've had TMJ issues for nearly a decade now but the had gotten extremely painful. He took his time to answer my questions, diagnosed, and eventually made two guards -- a daytime and a night time one (with a retainer). The daytime guard made my pain essentially disappear within a week, and eventually (within a month) I did not find myself needing the daytime guard at all. Followed up every few weeks. Thrilled with the results and grateful!


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