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Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys!
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys with Travelers Agency and embark on a seamless adventure crafted just for you.
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys!
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys with Travelers Agency and embark on a seamless adventure crafted just for you.
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys!
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys with Travelers Agency and embark on a seamless adventure crafted just for you.
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys!
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys with Travelers Agency and embark on a seamless adventure crafted just for you.
Referral Information for Physicians and Dentists
When your patient needs focused evaluation for TMJ, jaw pain, facial pain, sleep-related breathing concerns, or oral appliance therapy, we aim to make the referral process straightforward. At John H. Kim, DDS, our practice in Irvine is limited to orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine, with personalized care centered on clear diagnosis, conservative treatment planning, and close communication with the referring office.
We work with patients who are struggling with TMJ and jaw pain, sleep apnea, CPAP intolerance, and related orofacial pain concerns. Our goal is not just to start treatment, but to help the right patient get to the right next step with a clear understanding of what is going on and what options may be appropriate.
If you would like to refer a patient, schedule a consultation and our team will guide the patient through the next steps.
Conditions and concerns commonly referred to our office
We welcome referrals for patients with jaw pain, joint noises, limited opening, facial pain, temple pain, muscle tension, clenching or grinding, and cases where TMJ symptoms may be contributing to headaches or ear-related complaints. We also see patients who may need evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, CPAP intolerance, or oral appliance therapy.
Some patients arrive with a long history of symptoms and prior treatment. Others are being referred early because their symptoms suggest a more focused evaluation is needed. In both situations, our process starts with careful history, clinical examination, imaging when indicated, and a clear explanation of findings and treatment options.
For patients with jaw-related symptoms, you can direct them to our TMJ diagnostic and evaluation page for more background before their visit. For patients with airway or sleep concerns, our sleep apnea treatment options page may also be helpful.
Referral pathways for TMJ and orofacial pain
Dentists and physicians often refer patients when symptoms do not fit a routine dental problem or when the patient needs a more dedicated TMJ evaluation. That may include patients with persistent jaw pain, joint tenderness, locking, clicking, muscle soreness, clenching-related symptoms, or facial pain that has not resolved.
Our office begins with a thorough discussion of the patient’s concerns and symptoms, followed by examination of the teeth, mouth, jaw, and temporomandibular joint. When clinically indicated, we may obtain high-level imaging and send it to a board-certified radiologist for a TMJ-specific report. We also use digital scanning as part of our records process so treatment planning can be based on a more complete understanding of the patient’s condition.
Treatment may include intraoral orthotics, guided jaw exercises, behavioral guidance for reducing jaw tension, trigger point injections, regenerative medicine with platelet rich fibrin, and other supportive therapies as appropriate for the individual case. The goal is to match treatment to diagnosis rather than push every patient into the same approach.
If you are referring a patient with clicking, popping, or jaw tightness, this overview of TMJ consultation and first-visit expectations can help set expectations before they come in.
Referral pathways for sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy
We also work with patients who have diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP, and patients who need a custom oral appliance as part of their care. In these cases, collaboration matters. We want the patient, physician, and dental team moving in the same direction.
For sleep apnea referrals, we review the patient’s sleep study, symptoms, and medical history, then explain oral appliance therapy, possible benefits and risks, and whether the patient appears to be a reasonable candidate. If the patient proceeds, we schedule the fitting appointment and follow-up care. Afterward, the patient is referred back for follow-up sleep testing with the referring healthcare provider.
That last step matters. Ongoing communication with the referring physician and follow-up testing are an important part of coordinated care. Our office values that relationship and does not treat oral appliance therapy like a stand-alone device service disconnected from the rest of the patient’s medical care.
For patients who need more information before referral, our page on oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea and our page on CPAP alternatives may be useful.
What patients can expect after referral
We want the patient experience to be organized and easy to follow. Before the first visit, our team speaks with the patient about concerns, symptoms, and overall treatment philosophy. We also collect intake information and provide directions and appointment details.
At the visit, the patient is greeted by our team, escorted to the treatment room, and walked through the next steps. A clinical assistant reviews the patient’s concerns, current dentists and doctors, and relevant background information with Dr. Kim. Dr. Kim then meets with the patient, asks follow-up questions, performs the examination, and explains the findings and treatment options in a direct, understandable way.
For TMJ patients, that may include discussion of jaw joint findings, diagnosis, and possible treatment recommendations. For sleep apnea patients, that may include review of sleep study findings, oral appliance therapy, and follow-up coordination with the referring provider.
What information is helpful when referring
If available, prior imaging, reports, sleep studies, and relevant dental or medical records can be helpful. Patients do not need a perfect file to get started, but having earlier records can improve efficiency and provide important context.
If a patient already has prior TMJ imaging or sleep-related records, our page on bringing prior X-rays and imaging gives them simple guidance on what to bring.
A collaborative referral relationship
We know that referral confidence is earned. Referring doctors want to know their patients will be evaluated carefully, treated appropriately, and communicated with clearly. That is how we approach these cases.
Whether you are sending a patient with longstanding jaw pain, a more complex orofacial pain history, or obstructive sleep apnea that may benefit from oral appliance therapy, our office is structured to provide focused specialty care in a setting built around these problems.
If you are ready to refer, check out our online referral page. We are glad to work with physicians, dentists, and other providers who want their patients to have a thoughtful evaluation and a clear treatment path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept referrals from both dentists and physicians?
Yes. We work with both dental and medical referral sources for TMJ, jaw pain, orofacial pain, sleep apnea, and CPAP intolerance.
Do patients need imaging before being referred?
No. Prior imaging can be helpful, but patients do not need to complete everything before contacting our office.
Do you communicate back with the referring office?
Yes. Collaborative care is important, especially for sleep apnea patients who may need follow-up with their referring healthcare provider.
Can you see patients who have already tried treatment elsewhere?
Yes. Many patients come to us after prior appliances, prior evaluations, or ongoing symptoms that need a more focused review.
Do you only treat TMJ?
No. Our practice also evaluates and treats sleep apnea, CPAP intolerance, oral appliance therapy needs, and related orofacial pain concerns.
Have A Question? Reach Out To Us!
Welcome to the practice of Dr. John H. Kim! We look forward to serving you.
Contact Info
17305 VON KARMAN AVE.
SUITE 204 IRVINE, CA 92614
Business Hours
Mon - Tues
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
Closed (at Kaiser Sleep Clinic)
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
Closed (at Kaiser Sleep Clinic)
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