February 20, 2026
If you are searching for relief from TMJ pain, jaw discomfort, headaches, or sleep apnea alternatives to CPAP , Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ offers specialized care right here in the Tri-Cities. Dr. Bloxham is an Orofacial Pain Specialist , not a sleep physician, who focuses on conservative treatment of TMJ disorders and provides custom oral sleep appliances for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer a non-CPAP solution. Conveniently located for patients in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland , the practice also serves surrounding communities including Ephrata, Moses Lake, Hermiston, and Benton City . What Is an Orofacial Pain Specialist? An orofacial pain specialist has advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex conditions involving the jaw joints (TMJ), facial muscles, bite alignment, and related pain disorders. Patients often seek care for: TMJ/TMD pain Jaw clicking or locking Chronic headaches or migraines Facial pain Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders Bite instability Sleep-related jaw issues Dr. Bloxham’s focus is on conservative, non-surgical TMJ therapy , helping patients find long-term relief while preserving joint health and function. Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea (CPAP Alternative) While Dr. Bloxham is not a sleep physician, he works with patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are looking for an alternative to CPAP therapy. Many individuals struggle with: CPAP mask discomfort Air leaks Claustrophobia Noise disturbance Difficulty traveling with equipment For these patients, custom oral sleep appliances may provide a comfortable and effective alternative. How Oral Sleep Appliances Work An oral appliance is a small, custom-fit device worn during sleep. It works by gently holding the lower jaw in a slightly forward position , which helps: Keep the airway open Prevent airway collapse Reduce snoring Improve nighttime breathing By maintaining proper jaw positioning, the appliance supports a more stable airway throughout the night. This therapy is compact, quiet, and easy to travel with — making it appealing to patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer a less intrusive option. TMJ and Sleep Apnea: Why Expertise Matters The jaw joint and airway are closely connected. Improper appliance design can worsen TMJ symptoms if not carefully managed. Because Dr. Bloxham is trained in orofacial pain and TMJ disorders , he carefully evaluates: Jaw joint health Muscle function Bite alignment Existing TMJ symptoms This ensures that oral appliance therapy is delivered safely and conservatively, especially for patients who already experience jaw discomfort. Serving Kennewick, Pasco, Richland & Surrounding Communities Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ proudly serves patients throughout: Kennewick, WA Pasco, WA Richland, WA Ephrata, WA Moses Lake, WA Hermiston, OR Benton City, WA Patients across Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon seek care here for specialized TMJ treatment and CPAP alternatives close to home. Conservative, Patient-Centered Care What sets Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ apart is a commitment to: Conservative therapy first Comprehensive TMJ evaluation Custom, precision-fit oral appliances Ongoing monitoring and adjustments Collaborative care with physicians when appropriate Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with long-term joint health and airway stability in mind. Looking for a CPAP Alternative in the Tri-Cities? If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are searching for: “CPAP alternative Kennewick” “Oral sleep appliance Pasco” “TMJ specialist Richland WA” “Sleep apnea mouthpiece Tri-Cities” Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bloxham to learn whether oral appliance therapy is right for you and take the first step toward better sleep and relief from jaw pain. If you'd like, I can also create: A shorter Google Business Profile version A homepage SEO version A version optimized specifically for ranking in Moses Lake & Hermiston Or a more medically technical version for physician referrals Can you write up a SEO driven post about: Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ and how Dr. Bloxham is the tri cities best orofacial pain specialist who can help with undiagosed headaches, trigeminal nerualgia, burning mouth syndrome, pptn, and other rare conditions. Please include that we also service neighboring cities. Here is a professionally written, SEO-optimized post designed to position Dr. Bloxham strongly while remaining medically appropriate and search-friendly: Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ: The Tri-Cities’ Leading Orofacial Pain Specialist 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.