Relief, stability, and a plan that makes sense
Most people with TMJ dysfunction have already tried to fix it somewhere else. Dr. Im starts from scratch with a comprehensive evaluation designed to find the actual source of the problem.
The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. When it is not functioning correctly, the effects can reach far beyond the jaw itself. Headaches, neck pain, shoulder tension, facial pressure, tooth wear, and disrupted sleep are all common downstream effects of bite instability and joint dysfunction.
The reason these symptoms persist is that most treatments address where the pain is felt, not where it originates. Dr. Im's approach starts with measurement, not guesswork. We evaluate how the bite, muscles, and joints are functioning together before recommending any treatment.
TMJ and Function Evaluation
A thorough evaluation of bite, joint mechanics, muscle function, and posture-related patterns. The goal is root-cause mapping: understanding the full picture before recommending any treatment.
Neuromuscular Orthotic Therapy
A custom orthotic designed to decompress the joints and relax the surrounding muscles. Comfortable for day or night wear. Structured monitoring with follow-ups to track measurable symptom reduction.
Long-Term Stabilization (When Appropriate)
Once stability is established, we plan for long-term correction. This may include bite refinement, restorative planning, full-mouth rehabilitation, or coordinated orthodontic alignment depending on the case.
- Jaw pain, clicking, or locking
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Facial pain and muscle tension
- Neck and shoulder pain linked to jaw alignment
- Clenching and grinding
- Bite instability and tooth wear
- Symptoms that have not resolved elsewhere
"I kept seeing patterns dentistry was not trained to measure. So I pursued advanced training to treat the root cause rather than manage symptoms indefinitely."
Better sleep. More energy. A path you can actually stick with.
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition. It is also, for many patients, a condition they have been struggling to manage for years with a solution that does not fit their life.
CPAP therapy is effective when it is used consistently. The problem is that a significant portion of patients cannot tolerate it. The mask is uncomfortable. Sleep is disrupted. The device gets abandoned. And the underlying condition continues to affect their health, energy, and quality of life.
For those patients, oral appliance therapy offers a realistic alternative. A custom-fitted oral sleep appliance gently repositions the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. It is quiet, portable, and far more comfortable than CPAP for most patients.
At Dentistry of Poulsbo, sleep risk screening is built into every comprehensive exam. Many patients learn for the first time that their fatigue, headaches, or morning grogginess may have a treatable cause.
Sleep Risk Screening
Sleep apnea risk assessment as part of every comprehensive exam. Patient education on signs, health impacts, and what the next steps look like if risk is identified.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Custom oral sleep appliance options with comfort-first fit and structured follow-up. Designed for patients seeking an effective alternative to CPAP, or those who need a complementary solution.
Coordinated Care When Needed
Collaboration with physicians and sleep testing resources when appropriate. Ongoing monitoring and appliance adjustments to ensure continued effectiveness.
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Waking unrefreshed despite a full night of sleep
- Daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Irritability or mood changes
- CPAP intolerance or non-compliance
- Observed pauses in breathing during sleep
"If you cannot tolerate CPAP, you still have options. And we can help you find a path you can actually stick with."
