Louis R. Vita, DDS is a highly trained practitioner with over 30 years of experience in dentistry. He is the founder of The Vita Head, Neck and Facial Pain Relief Center, located in Clifton, NJ and has researched and developed ways to diagnose and treat patients suffering from Temporomandibular (TMJ) Joint Disorders.
Dr. Vita came to be interested in TMJ at Georgetown University School of Dentistry, where he earned his degree. It quickly became his passion. Education is a major cornerstone of Dr. Vita's practice. He and his staff regularly attend seminars and continuing education to provide their patients with the best care available.
Dr. Vita is an attending dentist, Section Chief of the Facial Pain and TMD Department and a member of the Board of Trustees at Hackensack University Medical Center. Not only does he lecture to and train dental residents through the Dental Residency Program, he is also dedicated to educating other healthcare professionals and is committed to speaking engagements on various topics relating to the TMJ and cervical spine. He offers continuing education courses through his Vita Clinical Studies and TMJ Training Center.
A Leader in Research & Innovation
Dr. Vita sets himself apart through extensive training with regard of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)/TMD through the Piper Education and Research Center, the Piper Clinic, and through his mentor, Mark A. Piper, M.D., D.M.D. He offers his vast knowledge and practical skills to the residents and other attending dentists at Hackensack University Medical Center where he developed a distinctive Facial Pain Treatment Department.
Providing patients with relief from the adverse effects of these conditions has become the primary focus of Dr. Vita's practice. He knows that accurate and individual diagnosis is the key to beginning to understand appropriate treatment options. Dr. Vita's goal is to dramatically improve the quality of each patient's life and to free them from painful symptoms associated with TMJ dysfunction, such as headaches, jaw pain, bruxism (clenching and teeth grinding), and tinnitus (ringing in the ears possibly from a neck or a jaw source).
The practice receives as many calls a day from people looking for help to alleviate their Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders and sees a staggering 425 new patients each year.
"A lot of people have a TMJ disorder and don't even know it. Lack of pain does not indicate that a problem does not exist. That's why screening is very critical," says Vita, who typically receives patients through referrals from other dentists and ear, nose and throat specialists. "There's also a large percentage of people who know they have TMJ issues, but continue to suffer."
A Collaborative Approach
Dr. Vita sees patients not only from New Jersey, but Long Island, upstate New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania as well. Dr. Vita offers extensive hours and has received referrals from as far away as Niagara Falls and Atlanta.
Dr. Vita's work is held in high esteem by specialists in other fields. "Dr. Vita is very knowledgeable in a field that is extremely difficult to master.", an oral surgeon notes. Dr. Vita emphasizes: "Our goal is to be THE resource of dentists and physicians in treatment of a patient's TMJ problem. We encourage physicians to contact us about their patients. Then we work together to benefit the patient."
Dr. Vita is known for his extreme thoroughness and precision and brings passion and excellence to the care that you can expect to receive. Testimonials from patients as well as dental professionals confirm that Dr. Vita and the Vita Head Neck & Facial Pain Relief Center is the right place if you are seeking a definitive diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for Temporomandibular Jaw TMJ Disorders.
A Sussex County patient notes, "I was told by so many doctors that I could not be helped, but because of you I am now pain free and finally have a quality of life." Another patient in Wayne says, "I never thought I would feel better again. Until you treated me, I thought I would have to suffer for the rest of my life."
Words from colleagues include, "Dr. Vita shares his knowledge with other dentists to benefit patients," and, "It is remarkable that my patients have had complete elimination of all pain and TMJ symptoms".
"I'm grateful for a loyal staff, and I really enjoy the challenge of diagnosing my patients' problems and discussing and offering solutions. There is no other field for me. I'm blessed, because I love what I do."
DR. VITA'S EDUCATION
- Seton Hall University, B.S.
- Georgetown University, School of Dentistry, D.D.S
- United States Dental Institute, Certification in Function Jaw Orthopedics and OrthodonticsAcademy of General Dentistry, Fellowship Award
- Academy of Medicine of New Jersey; Fellowship Award
- Piper Clinic, Certification in Advanced TMJ Disorders
- Dawson Center, for Advanced Dental Studies
- Parker E. Mahan Facial Pain Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- L. D. Pankey Institute, for Advanced Dental Studies
- American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Certificate for Botox and Dermal Fillers
- Align Technology, Certification Invisalign
- New Jersey Certified for Pharmaceutical Injectables
DR. VITA'S AWARDS
- America Top Dentist Award for TMJ/Facial Pain annually from 2004 - current year
- Garfield High School Academic Hall of Fame Inductee 2009
- Best of Clifton Dentistry 2009
- Best of Clifton Dentistry 2008
- NJBIZ Hero Healthcare Award 2007
- TMJ Excellence Award, TMJ Institute of America, 1989
- TMJ Excellence Award, Bay Area Center for Craniomandibular Disorders, 1988
- National Student Merit Award, American Association of Public Health Dentistry, 1985
- Atlas Orthogonal Humanitarian of the Year, 2020
- Consistently chosen as a NJ Top Dentist
DR. VITA'S PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- New Jersey Dental Society
- Passaic County Dental Society
- New Jersey Academy of General Dentistry
- New Jersey Pankey Study Group
- American Equilibration Society
- L. D. Pankey Alumni Association
- American Headache Society
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Association
- Empire State Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Piper/McKee Study Club for TMJ Disorders
- American Academy of Facial Cosmetics
- Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Trustees
