
If you are suffering from chronic facial pain, unexplained headaches, nerve pain, or rare oral conditions, finding the right specialist can make all the difference.
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, Dr. Bloxham is widely regarded as the Tri-Cities’ leading orofacial pain specialist, providing advanced, conservative care for patients in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, as well as neighboring communities including Ephrata, Moses Lake, Hermiston, Benton City, and surrounding areas in Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon.
When pain goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, specialized training matters.
What Is an Orofacial Pain Specialist?
Orofacial pain is a highly specialized field focused on diagnosing and treating complex pain conditions affecting the:
- Jaw joints (TMJ)
- Facial muscles
- Nerves of the face and mouth
- Bite and jaw alignment
- Head and neck region
Many patients see multiple providers before discovering that their symptoms originate from the trigeminal nerve system, jaw dysfunction, or neuropathic pain conditions.
Dr. Bloxham provides comprehensive evaluations to uncover the true source of pain — especially when symptoms have been persistent, confusing, or resistant to treatment.
Help for Undiagnosed Headaches and Facial Pain
Chronic headaches are often treated as migraines without a full evaluation of jaw mechanics or nerve involvement.
Dr. Bloxham frequently evaluates patients experiencing:
- Daily or chronic headaches
- Temple pain
- Jaw-related headaches
- Facial pressure
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Pain that worsens with chewing or clenching
Many headache conditions are linked to TMJ dysfunction, muscle overactivity, or nerve irritation. A thorough orofacial pain assessment can identify contributing factors that may have previously been overlooked.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in the Tri-Cities
Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe facial nerve pain condition that can feel like:
- Electric shocks
- Stabbing facial pain
- Sudden intense episodes triggered by touch or movement
- Pain when brushing teeth or chewing
Because this condition involves the trigeminal nerve, proper diagnosis is critical. Dr. Bloxham works collaboratively with physicians and specialists when needed to help patients better understand and manage this complex disorder.
If you are searching for “trigeminal neuralgia specialist near me” in Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland, expert evaluation is available locally.
Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatment
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) can cause:
- Persistent burning sensation of the tongue or lips
- Dry mouth feeling without obvious cause
- Altered taste
- Tingling or numbness
This condition is often frustrating because standard dental exams may appear normal. As an orofacial pain specialist, Dr. Bloxham evaluates neuropathic and systemic contributors to help patients find answers and appropriate management strategies.
Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy (PPTN)
Painful Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy (PPTN) can occur after:
- Dental procedures
- Facial trauma
- Oral surgery
- Injections or nerve injury
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent tingling
- Burning pain
- Numbness with discomfort
- Heightened nerve sensitivity
These cases require careful, conservative management and accurate diagnosis — something general providers may not routinely treat.
Conservative, Evidence-Based Care for Complex Conditions
What sets Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ apart is a commitment to:
- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
- Conservative, non-surgical management
- Individualized treatment planning
- Collaboration with medical providers when appropriate
- Long-term monitoring and support
Patients often arrive after months — or even years — of searching for answers. The goal is clarity, accurate diagnosis, and a path forward.
Serving the Tri-Cities and Neighboring Communities
Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ proudly serves patients from:
- Kennewick, WA
- Pasco, WA
- Richland, WA
- Benton City, WA
- Ephrata, WA
- Moses Lake, WA
- Hermiston, OR
- Surrounding Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon communities
Patients frequently travel from neighboring cities to receive specialized orofacial pain evaluation not widely available in the region.
When Pain Has No Clear Answer — Specialized Evaluation Matters
If you are searching online for:
- “Orofacial pain specialist Tri-Cities”
- “Undiagnosed facial pain Kennewick”
- “Trigeminal neuralgia doctor near me”
- “Burning mouth syndrome treatment Richland WA”
- “PPTN specialist Eastern Washington”
Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ offers advanced, compassionate care close to home.
You do not have to keep living with unexplained facial pain. Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward meaningful relief.
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CPAP Alternative in the Tri-Cities: Oral Appliance Therapy at Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea but struggle with CPAP therapy, you’re not alone. Many patients in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland find CPAP machines uncomfortable, noisy, or difficult to travel with.
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, Dr. Bloxham — a trained Orofacial Pain Specialist — provides a comfortable, custom CPAP alternative designed for patients who cannot tolerate traditional CPAP therapy.
If you’re searching for a CPAP alternative in the Tri-Cities, help is available locally.
Why Patients Struggle with CPAP
While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is commonly prescribed for sleep apnea, many patients report:
- Mask discomfort
- Air leaks
- Skin irritation
- Claustrophobia
- Difficulty sleeping with noise
- Inconvenience during travel
- Trouble maintaining consistent nightly use
When CPAP becomes difficult to tolerate, patients often stop using it — which can leave sleep apnea untreated.
That’s where oral appliance therapy may help.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Dr. Bloxham offers a custom-made oral sleep appliance that fits comfortably in your mouth while you sleep.
Unlike CPAP machines:
- No electricity is required
- No hoses or masks are involved
- It is compact and portable
- It is travel-friendly
- It operates silently
The appliance is small, discreet, and easy to pack — making it ideal for patients who travel frequently or simply prefer a less intrusive solution.
How the Oral Appliance Works
The custom device works by gently positioning the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep.
This subtle forward positioning helps:
- Keep the airway open
- Reduce airway collapse
- Improve nighttime breathing
- Decrease snoring
By supporting the airway naturally, the appliance can improve sleep quality without the bulk or noise of CPAP equipment.
Why Choose an Orofacial Pain Specialist?
Dr. Bloxham is an Orofacial Pain Specialist, meaning he has advanced training in jaw mechanics, bite alignment, TMJ health, and facial structures.
This is especially important because:
- Improper appliance fit can aggravate TMJ symptoms
- Jaw positioning must be carefully calibrated
- Long-term joint health should be protected
Patients who already experience jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, or facial discomfort benefit from specialized evaluation before beginning oral appliance therapy.
Serving Kennewick, Pasco, Richland & Surrounding Communities
Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ proudly serves patients throughout:
- Kennewick, WA
- Pasco, WA
- Richland, WA
- Benton City, WA
- Ephrata, WA
- Moses Lake, WA
- Hermiston, OR
- Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon communities
You don’t have to travel out of the area to explore a CPAP alternative.
Looking for a CPAP Alternative in the Tri-Cities?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are searching for:
- “CPAP alternative Kennewick”
- “Sleep apnea mouthpiece Pasco”
- “Oral appliance therapy Richland WA”
- “Travel-friendly sleep apnea treatment”
- “Sleep apnea dentist Tri-Cities”
Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ offers personalized care and conservative solutions close to home.
Schedule a consultation to learn whether a custom oral sleep appliance is right for you — and take the next step toward quieter, more comfortable sleep without CPAP.











