
When patients experience chronic jaw pain, headaches, facial tension, teeth grinding, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), many worry that surgery may be their only option.
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, Dr. Jared Bloxham takes a different approach.
Our philosophy is simple: before recommending treatment, we focus on understanding the complete picture. In many cases, patients can benefit from conservative, non-surgical therapies designed to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. While every case is unique, our goal is always to pursue the least invasive and most appropriate treatment option first whenever possible.
Serving patients throughout Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, the greater Tri-Cities area, and communities across Eastern Washington, Dr. Bloxham is committed to helping patients find answers through comprehensive evaluation and personalized care.
We Are Not a Surgical Practice
One of the first things many new patients are surprised to learn is that Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ is not a surgical office.
Our focus is on diagnosis, conservative treatment planning, and identifying the root causes of jaw-related symptoms before considering more invasive interventions.
Too often, patients spend years treating symptoms without fully understanding what is causing them. At our office, we believe that successful treatment begins with a thorough investigation—not assumptions.
For many patients, conservative therapies may provide significant improvement without the need for surgical intervention.
Why Proper Diagnosis Matters
TMJ disorders and related conditions can be surprisingly complex.
Two patients may both experience jaw pain or headaches, yet the underlying causes may be completely different.
Symptoms can be influenced by:
- Jaw joint dysfunction
- Muscle tension
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw clenching
- Bite imbalances
- Sleep-related factors
- Airway concerns
- Medication side effects
- Inflammation and other health conditions
This is why Dr. Bloxham dedicates significant time to evaluating each patient rather than relying on a quick examination.
Our Comprehensive 1.5-Hour Evaluation Process
Unlike many traditional dental appointments, a new patient evaluation at Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ is designed to be comprehensive and investigative.
Patients can expect approximately 90 minute appointment dedicated to understanding their symptoms, reviewing findings, and evaluating potential contributing factors.
This allows Dr. Bloxham to develop a more complete understanding of the patient's condition and create recommendations tailored to their individual needs.
Advanced Cone Beam CT Imaging
A key part of our diagnostic process is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).
Unlike traditional two-dimensional dental X-rays, a CBCT scan provides detailed three-dimensional images of the jaw joints, surrounding structures, and anatomical relationships that may be contributing to symptoms.
This advanced imaging allows Dr. Bloxham to carefully evaluate:
- Jaw joint anatomy
- Joint positioning
- Structural changes
- Airway-related observations
- Bone and surrounding structures
Having this level of detail helps guide more informed treatment recommendations and allows patients to better understand what may be contributing to their symptoms.
Medication Review: An Often-Overlooked Piece of the Puzzle
One of the most valuable parts of our evaluation process is a detailed review of medications.
Many patients are surprised to learn that certain medications can contribute to involuntary muscle activity, including teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
In some cases, these side effects may increase strain on the jaw joints and muscles, potentially worsening symptoms such as:
- Jaw pain
- Muscle fatigue
- Facial tension
- Morning headaches
- Tooth wear
- Neck discomfort
While medication decisions should always be made in consultation with a patient's prescribing physician, identifying possible contributing factors can be an important step toward understanding the full picture.
Reviewing the Findings Together
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, we believe patients should understand what we see and why we recommend certain treatments.
During the evaluation process, Dr. Bloxham reviews imaging findings, clinical observations, symptom history, and other relevant information with each patient.
Rather than rushing through an appointment, we take the time to explain findings, answer questions, and discuss available treatment options.
Our goal is to help patients make informed decisions about their care.
Conservative Therapy First—When Appropriate
Once a diagnosis has been established, treatment recommendations are based on the individual's unique findings.
Whenever clinically appropriate, Dr. Bloxham prioritizes conservative therapies before considering more invasive options.
Depending on the case, treatment recommendations may include:
- Custom oral appliances
- Bite stabilization therapy
- Muscle-focused therapies
- Sleep-related evaluations
- Lifestyle modifications
- Combination treatment approaches
- Collaborative care with other healthcare providers
Because every patient is different, treatment is never based on a one-size-fits-all model.
Serving the Tri-Cities and Eastern Washington
Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ proudly serves patients from:
- Kennewick
- Richland
- Pasco
- West Richland
- Benton City
- Walla Walla
- Yakima
- Moses Lake
- Hermiston
- Communities throughout Eastern Washington
Many patients come to our office after months or years of searching for answers. Our comprehensive diagnostic process helps uncover factors that may have been overlooked elsewhere.
Finding the Root Cause of Your Symptoms
If you are struggling with jaw pain, headaches, clenching, grinding, facial tension, or other symptoms related to TMJ disorders, an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, Dr. Jared Bloxham combines advanced imaging, detailed clinical evaluation, medication review, and a conservative treatment philosophy to help patients throughout the Tri-Cities and Eastern Washington better understand their condition and explore appropriate treatment options.
Before pursuing invasive procedures, start with a comprehensive evaluation designed to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized path forward.











