The Piper Clinic is an advanced treatment center for TMJ related problems and is dedicated to delivering the highest standards of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), occlusion (bite), and facial pain diagnosis and management. The Mission Statement of the Piper Clinic embodies the philosophy and feelings that Dr. Piper has embraced in the care of his patients for more than three decades:
The Piper Clinic mission is to continually employ the highest standards of diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from facial pain, occlusal dysfunction, or damage to their temporomandibular joints, utilizing the most appropriate medical and dental advancements. All patients shall be treated with respect and compassion and shall be educated fully as to their condition.
At the Piper Clinic, we listen to what patients go through in their TMJ journey. Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders oftentimes are frustrated by the confusion and disagreement within the field about diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately for most patients, diagnosis is made without benefit of medical imaging or reliable medical or dental testing. In addition, the interpretation of signs, symptoms, and diagnostic tests is often variable, erroneous, or incomplete. Depending upon the consulted specialist, options for management may vary widely. As a result, patients may become lost in a maze of confusing opinions. Regrettably, improper initial management, whether surgical or non-surgical, may start a course of failure, resulting in progressive pain, bite instability, and recession or asymmetry of the face. Oftentimes after investing in extensive dental work, orthodontics, or bite surgery, there is further bite change and onset of new pain. All too many patients enter into treatment that they expect will make them better, only to discover that their symptoms have become worse. As treatments fail, patients and doctors alike experience feelings of alienation, inadequacy, and outright fear of additional attempts at management. Ultimately, those patients who have not responded or who have worsened with treatment may face the hopelessness of finding no doctor to treat them and no insurance for coverage.
At the Piper Clinic, we have tried to give answers where there is confusion. Our focus is quality patient management. From the day that we were founded in 1983, the Piper Clinic has remained at the cutting edge of diagnosis and treatment, and we have focused foremost upon the wellbeing of the patient. We have heard every story imaginable, and we have seen thousands of cases of failure at the hands of well-intentioned doctors and faithful patients. We realize for patients that the fields of TMJ, bite management, and facial pain are in a severe crisis. Many doctors do not want to treat 'TMJ' patients. Older doctors may not want to meet the time demands of the population, and new doctors are often inadequately trained. It is our observation that fewer doctors are knowingly treating the TMJ today than at the end of the 20th century. The bottom line is that many patients have a TMJ problem, and they do not know it because their doctors have not been trained to recognize the early signs that precede actual symptoms such as pain.
At the Piper Clinic, we have put the temporomandibular joint first. It is the foundation of the jaw structures. This is the foundation that supports the bite. This is the foundation that must be stable to prevent pain. Diagnosis and treatment should start with an accurate assessment of this foundation. We aim to find out everything about the structure of the joint as our starting point, and that comes only from a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Only after understanding everything about the joint foundation will we make our recommendations for management. Finally we promise to do everything in our power to help patients understand their condition and their best options for treatment.
Because we take our work seriously at the Piper Clinic, we have a few promises that we make to each of our patients. It is our opinion that the best care a patient can get starts with direct and honest answers. We feel that every patient question should be answered. If we do not know the answer, then we will tell you so, and we will attempt to help you to get answers.
We will not make any recommendations about your TMJ treatment without first assessing everything about your temporomandibular joint. Although there are many indirect methods to evaluate a TMJ, we will directly image your anatomy with the latest 21st century techniques, including CT and Magnetic Resonance (MR) scans. If the joint is damaged, then we will tell you so. In all probablility, we will be able to tell you how it was damaged and when the damage occurred. We will tell what condition your joint is in, where the joint is headed in the future, and what you need for treatment of your joint condition.
We will not make recommendations about your bite management without a complete analysis of your occlusion. Although there are many differing theories and techniques for bite analysis, we will be direct and thorough. Complete study casts of your bite will be mounted on dental articulators. This bite will be compared to the CT scan and MR scan of your temporomandibular joints. Our bite analysis will include an assessment of all phases of jaw opening and closure with direct comparison to the MR scans. We will tell you how your bite developed, what joint condition is supporting your bite, when your supporting dental work should be performed, where we expect your bite and facial appearance to go in the future, and why the treatment of your bite is important.
We will not make recommendations about changing your jaw and facial structures without a complete analysis of your skeleton. Although there are many cosmetic techniques to improve facial and dental features, we will completely analyze your facial structures before we recommend any cosmetic or functional changes. Our analysis of your facial skeleton will include all visible exterior features as well as a complete assessment of the sinus cavities, tongue space, and pharyngeal airway. We will image your facial bones, utilizing modern CT scan technology, and if you are developing an airway blockage because of an unstable jaw then we will tell you so. We will tell you how your facial bones have developed, what may have caused any cosmetic or functional change, when your changes are best corrected, where the structures are headed in the future, and whether your temporomandibular joint is the direct cause of facial alteration.
We will not make any recommendations for treatment of your pain without understanding why you have pain. If we cannot determine your pain source then we will try to help you find a doctor who can. We promise to look into pain from your joint structures, bones, muscles, teeth, neck, sensory nerves, migraines, fibromyalgia, and sympathetic nerves. We will tell you how to best address your pain, what layers of pain you have, when your pain may progress, where your pain may develop next, and why it is critical to keep your pain under control.
After fully understanding the condition of your TMJ and bite, your teeth and facial features, your airway, and your pain layering, then we will make recommendations for treatment. Although there are many options for treating joints, bites, and pain, we will focus directly upon your condition and on the treatment that is best fitted to your diagnosis. We will give you both a best and worst case scenario for each option. We will tell you how to compare various treatment options, what approaches are best for you, when your treatment should occur, where your treatment may go in the future, and why treatment may either succeed or fail.
At the Piper Clinic we promise to offer diagnosis and treatment that result in the best care that we can give. Finally, it is our promise through this website to be the best resource for information to patients
Anomalous Medical, LLC, is a software development and publishing company that is dedicated to real time modeling of human anatomy. The concept of creating a graphical interface between users and human anatomy was original conceived by Andrew Piper, a software engineer. In 2008, Anomalous Medical was formed, and the original focus was on the facial skeleton and temporomandibular joints. The software was developed as a flexible educational tool that is now widely used in the seminars at the Piper Education and Research Center. Additionally the patients at the Piper Clinic are modeled into the software so that they have a three dimensional look at the injuries that they have suffered.
The three dimensional graphics now include the head and neck region of the body as well as the brain and cranial nerves. The anatomy of these regions can be visualized in any combination of tissue layers and at the camera and zoom angles selected by the user. Even more importantly the anatomical findings in CT and MRI scans can be duplicated in the software so that patients can understand exactly what has happened to their facial skeleton and bite. There is no other software anywhere that is dedicated to the TMJ and bite.
Anomalous Medical develops educational apps that can be used by both patients and doctors. The flexibility of the software allows any user to create nearly any application that can be imagined. As an example, Dr. Piper has authored an application that allows patients to self-test for a TMJ problem (link to be embedded later). Other applications have been developed to help doctors understand jaw movements during chewing and biting, and the unique features show how these functions change with TMJ damage. For those interested in basic anatomy a free version of the software can be downloaded at AnomalousMedical.com.
The Piper Education Research Center (PERC) is a continuing education center where doctors can learn about the concepts of TMJ problems through facility or online courses. PERC is unlike any other organization in the world. We are dedicated specifically to the promotion of educational standards that will benefit the temporomandibular joint population. We see this as a maturing field, oftentimes besieged by outdated biases and competing ideologies. Like most areas of medicine and dentistry, scientific advancements are often slow to integrate into the practices of the initial treating doctor. Through our educational efforts, we seek to change this trend. We identify students who want to obtain the highest standards of training. By networking trained individuals, it is our desire to escalate the pace of scientific advancement. We share these advancements openly for the continual benefit of all patients affected by temporomandibular joint disorders and facial pain. With Dr. Pipers emphasis on the quality of diagnosis and management, the establishment of a dedicated educational center to train other doctors became a natural extension of the Piper Clinic. Hence in 2000, Dr. Piper opened the initial PERC facility, and the new campus was upgraded and opened in 2012.
At PERC, our mission is to deliver the best possible clinical preparation to our students. We want to be the best resource for continuing education for temporomandibular, occlusion, and facial pain patients. However, what we teach goes well beyond these areas to an emphasis of 'pattern recognition' of injured patients that precedes clinical symptoms. We stress the importance of recognizing children with unknown TMJ disorders whether they are preadolescents with severe tooth wear, adolescents facing complex orthodontic treatment, or teenagers facing orthognathic (bite) surgery. We demonstrate the importance of understanding why bites change or dental restorations fail in adult patients. We show doctors how to deliver appropriate and consistently high quality dentistry with a complete understanding of the temporomandibular joint.
The educational and research philosophy of the Piper Education and Research Center is based upon seeking the truth about the disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint. Our goal is to advance the highest standards of diagnosis and treatment. We maintain the latest parameters of care for all phases of joint, occlusal, and pain management. These standards are shared openly and thoroughly with treating doctors and with the public at large.
The Piper Education and Research Center is dedicated to seeking the truth through lifetime learning. In advancing the fields of temporomandibular disorders, facial pain, and occlusion, we strive to continually improve our treatment recommendations as research and discovery dictate. All of our doctor students are encouraged to maintain an analytical mind, a curious intellect, and a passion for new knowledge. Research and discovery are an integral component of the full educational experience. As we recognize better methods of diagnosis and treatment, direct attention is given to the healing of patients and to the education of other doctors. The ultimate well-being of the patient has always been the most crucial objective of all education and research at the Piper Education and Research Center.
It is our ultimate goal that educational and research truths shall lead the profession by promoting the highest standards of patient care. We seek to be the source of current information for the medical and dental professions and for the population of patients in need of direct and honest treatment for their TMJ problems.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 17 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestDavid Studebaker
2 years ago
I just finished my final 15 month visit with the Piper Clinic. I wish I could give Dr Piper, Dr Shah and the entire staff 10 stars. My only negative was my insurance company (BCBS of Florida) and that was mainly because I'm a federal employee. Special people that made my whole experience so smooth were Jaseyl when you when you walk in the door, Mr Jeff Thompson (awesome guy) who walks you through everything, Justin, who does most of your post op checks, and Tanille who is your go to for all things insurance. There are plenty of people that I didn't mention that made my whole experience successful but these are the one's that I saw each visit. Thank you to everyone at the Piper Clinic!!!
David Finkel
2 years ago
Dr. Piper performed my TMJ surgery 35 years ago, and I remain pain free ever since. Even back then patients were coming from around the world for his care, since there is no one else - then or now - as pedigreed, innovative, and as talented as he is. I had migraine-level pain that was improperly diagnosed for 4 years. I traveled from NY to FL over a dozen times between the surgery and post surgery checkups. Life changing decision.
Julie Keenan
2 years ago
Dr. Piper is the best doctor on the planet. He has the best bedside manner of any doctor, ever. His entire staff truly care about getting you back to a pain free life if at all possible. From the moment I stepped into the clinic in St Petersburg I felt like family. From the diagnosis phase, through surgery and aftercare and the follow up visits I was treated like a queen and felt like I was the only patient at times. They just listen that well. They not only listen but teach and explain every aspect of what they are doing, help with underlying diagnosis and help you figure that out as well. Not only does Dr. Piper help his patients but he helps future patients with severe jaw issues by teaching and training other doctors. There are so many people that I have now come in contact with that have also loved Dr. Pipers care. I came from Virginia to get his help and he was worth all that I had to have him literally rebuild both jaws and put me back together. I can speak, eat, brush my teeth, and talk again because he was able to put me back together. I cannot say enough about his care for each patient.
Daniel Schwartz
2 years ago
After waking up at 6am so that we could arrive on time for a 7am appointment, we waited for 20 minutes outside of the locked front door in the rain before leaving. We received a call at 7:30 finally telling us that they had arrived and were ready to see us. I reminded them that we had arrived at 7am as instructed and asked for the visit to be discounted, but was told that the price was firm, regardless of what time they show up. As someone who greatly values their time, I find it incredibly insulting to have someone miss an appointment by 30 minutes and then do nothing to attempt to rectify the situation. But if you are coming here, here is a pro tip: They book the entire day for you and there is no late fee, so show up 30 minutes after your scheduled appointment. If you are someone like me who hates having your time wasted, this way you can make sure that they are waiting for you and not the other way around.
Kevin Weiss
2 years ago
I just had my first appointment with Dr. Piper and Dr. Shah and I was very impressed by the staff whom were all very knowledgeable and caring. I was blown away by the thoroughness and analysis pf my TMJ problem by Dr. Piper. It was the most in depth and accurate report of a problem that Ive been suffering with for far too long. I finally feel like I have a more full understanding of my problem and feel more prepared to take the next steps I need to feel better. Thank you guys so much, hope to see you again soon!
Brian Swidrovich
3 years ago
After 4 + years of massive pain and no progress here at home in Canada, we were fortunate to find information on the Piper Clinic. It was a stressful process traveling so far, several times, during covid issues, yet it was the right choice. Our daughter's severe TMJ problem has been rectified with the 10/10 nerve pain all but gone. Thank you Dr. Piper, Dr. Shau and all the staff. Each of you made a difference for our family.
Julie Keenan
3 years ago
Dr. Piper is the best doctor on the planet. He has the best bedside manner of any doctor, ever. His entire staff truly care about getting you back to a pain free life if at all possible. From the moment I stepped into the clinic in St Petersburg I felt like family. From the diagnosis phase, through surgery and aftercare and the follow up visits I was treated like a queen and felt like I was the only patient at times. They just listen that well. They not only listen but teach and explain every aspect of what they are doing, help with underlying diagnosis and help you figure that out as well. Not only does Dr. Piper help his patients but he helps future patients with severe jaw issues by teaching and training other doctors. There are so many people that I have now come in contact with that have also loved Dr. Pipers care. I came from Virginia to get his help and he was worth all that I had to have him literally rebuild both jaws and put me back together. I can speak, eat, brush my teeth, and talk again because he was able to put me back together. I cannot say enough about his care for each patient.
Daniel Schwartz
3 years ago
After waking up at 6am so that we could arrive on time for a 7am appointment, we waited for 20 minutes outside of the locked front door in the rain before leaving. We received a call at 7:30 finally telling us that they had arrived and were ready to see us. I reminded them that we had arrived at 7am as instructed and asked for the visit to be discounted, but was told that the price was firm, regardless of what time they show up. As someone who greatly values their time, I find it incredibly insulting to have someone miss an appointment by 30 minutes and then do nothing to attempt to rectify the situation. But if you are coming here, here is a pro tip: They book the entire day for you and there is no late fee, so show up 30 minutes after your scheduled appointment. If you are someone like me who hates having your time wasted, this way you can make sure that they are waiting for you and not the other way around.
Kevin Weiss
3 years ago
I just had my first appointment with Dr. Piper and Dr. Shah and I was very impressed by the staff whom were all very knowledgeable and caring. I was blown away by the thoroughness and analysis pf my TMJ problem by Dr. Piper. It was the most in depth and accurate report of a problem that Ive been suffering with for far too long. I finally feel like I have a more full understanding of my problem and feel more prepared to take the next steps I need to feel better. Thank you guys so much, hope to see you again soon!
Ed Sager
3 years ago
Extremely impressive practice. All the doctors had two doctorate degrees. Dr. Mark Pipe is a world renowned expert on TMJ and other related issues. He invented a scale to measure TMJ. My wife had trouble for years and he diagnosed it and we went to a dentist that had trained at one of his seminars. He teaches other dentists restorative techniques and TMJ related issues. People travel from all over the world to him. We were there all day and they provided us with meals! Extremely thorough and cutting edge. So grateful we live within driving distance.
Ed Sager
4 years ago
Extremely impressive practice. All the doctors had two doctorate degrees. Dr. Mark Pipe is a world renowned expert on TMJ and other related issues. He invented a scale to measure TMJ. My wife had trouble for years and he diagnosed it and we went to a dentist that had trained at one of his seminars. He teaches other dentists restorative techniques and TMJ related issues. People travel from all over the world to him. We were there all day and they provided us with meals! Extremely thorough and cutting edge. So grateful we live within driving distance.
Jay McSwain
4 years ago
Dr. Piper is very skilled in this profession. He holds all of his patients on a pedestal and treats them well. He has treated many conditions and improved several patients quality of life- who may have even the most complex conditions.
Tony Siu
4 years ago
Dr.piper expects highly of himself, his staff and of his patients. He means to meticulously and to his best of his ability to resolve my issues, be that of CRPS related. There may be times that his clinic is confusing to what patients are expected of and what patients can expect of the clinic but it is to be very thorough and insightful to your illness. Dr. Piper is also highly esteemed in his character that he will intently listen to my mothers grievances on my sufferings behalf and will sincerely reach out his condolences.
Kathy Sauls
4 years ago
We are very impressed with Dr. Mark A. Piper, his staff and the atmosphere! Everyone at the Piper Clinic is so helpful and they put you at ease right away. They took our daughter, Amy back before we could even sit down. My husband and I were able to go back with her for everything, except for xrays of her bite & made a mold, and a CT Scan. We were right there waiting for her and it only took a few minutes. Amy is 18 years old and has been in chronic pain everyday for 6 years. Dr. Piper is a calm, soft spoken, down to earth man who takes the time to explain everything in great detail. He was very good with Amy, trying to help her relax. I can't say enough about how pleased and relieved we were to find that Dr. Piper is all that we had hoped he would be! He is the surgeon who can give Amy a normal, pain free life again. While at Amy's initial visit, I talked to a few patients in various stages of recovery. They all were very happy with Dr. Piper's surgery and follow-up. We also have talked on the phone to 2 patients that had the same surgery that Amy will be having. They have fully recovered, for a year or more and they are so thankful. One said Dr. Piper gave her her life back! She will always refer people to him. I am so very happy Dr. Dennis referred him to us and thank God that he guided us to Dr. Piper! Amy finally has hope and an end in sight for her pain! Kathy Sauls
Tony Siu
5 years ago
Dr.piper expects highly of himself, his staff and of his patients. He means to meticulously and to his best of his ability to resolve my issues, be that of CRPS related. There may be times that his clinic is confusing to what patients are expected of and what patients can expect of the clinic but it is to be very thorough and insightful to your illness. Dr. Piper is also highly esteemed in his character that he will intently listen to my mothers grievances on my sufferings behalf and will sincerely reach out his condolences.
Kathy Sauls
5 years ago
We are very impressed with Dr. Mark A. Piper, his staff and the atmosphere! Everyone at the Piper Clinic is so helpful and they put you at ease right away. They took our daughter, Amy back before we could even sit down. My husband and I were able to go back with her for everything, except for xrays of her bite & made a mold, and a CT Scan. We were right there waiting for her and it only took a few minutes. Amy is 18 years old and has been in chronic pain everyday for 6 years. Dr. Piper is a calm, soft spoken, down to earth man who takes the time to explain everything in great detail. He was very good with Amy, trying to help her relax. I can't say enough about how pleased and relieved we were to find that Dr. Piper is all that we had hoped he would be! He is the surgeon who can give Amy a normal, pain free life again. While at Amy's initial visit, I talked to a few patients in various stages of recovery. They all were very happy with Dr. Piper's surgery and follow-up. We also have talked on the phone to 2 patients that had the same surgery that Amy will be having. They have fully recovered, for a year or more and they are so thankful. One said Dr. Piper gave her her life back! She will always refer people to him. I am so very happy Dr. Dennis referred him to us and thank God that he guided us to Dr. Piper! Amy finally has hope and an end in sight for her pain! Kathy Sauls
Jay McSwain
5 years ago
Dr. Piper is very skilled in this profession. He holds all of his patients on a pedestal and treats them well. He has treated many conditions and improved several patients quality of life- who may have even the most complex conditions.
Kristian Kinney
5 years ago
Dr. Piper and his staff are life changers! March 8th, I will be celebrating my one year anniversary of being migraine and pain free! I have had constant migraines since I was 12 years old. I have been to SEVERAL doctors with no success to relieve my pain. I was introduced to Dr. Margaret Dennis who originally diagnosed me with a jaw joint problem, and referred me too Dr. Piper. During my consult, Dr. Piper confirmed my jaw joint issue, and recommended surgery to do a fat graph on my jaw joint. Of course, I had mixed emotions. I knew this journey would be long, and not for the faint of heart. I knew this was my only option. Fast forward a few weeks later, I had my surgery. Immediately when I woke up I didn't have pain surrounding my head. I mean I was on pain meds, but still I didn't have that constant pressure in my head. When the paid meds wore off, I still did not have the pain!!!!! The recovery journey has not been the easiest, but I know I have been lucky with how smooth its been for me. Honestly, Dr. Piper has saved my life. There's no telling where I'd be without him. Thank you Dr. Piper for all that you do, and thank you to his staff for being so kind and helping every step of the way!
P M
5 years ago
I've seen MANY doctors about my severe TMJ issues. Most of them saw 3-4 cases like mine a year--Dr. Piper sees that many in a day. I've been impressed by his data-driven style and holistic approach. He holds his staff to high standards and the scans, tests, impressions that are made are excellent and reliable (not always easy when the patient can't open their mouth). Most importantly, he's delivered great results--more than I thought possible. The only downside is that he is very expensive and traveling to Florida is a hassle.
Joan Vitro
5 years ago
Dr. Piper and staff are incredible. We traveled from Chicago to have him help my daughter with her jaw pain and it absolutely changed her life for the best. Dr. Piper is one of the most brilliant doctors we have ever met; an absolute expert on tmj issues. I can't imagine what my daughters life would be like right now if we hadn't found him. She had her surgery with him 5 years ago and she is like a new person. Dr. Piper was attentive, thorough, respectful, and kind. He went above and beyond in spending time with my daughter and us in providing all the details of her jaw, the surgery and her recovery. I can't say enough good things about him and the entire staff. Thank you!
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