How we help
Treatments & services
Dr. Haigler offers a range of evidence-based, conservative treatments tailored to each patient's diagnosis. Our goal is always to relieve pain and restore function with the least invasive approach possible.
Splints for TMJ Disorders
Oral splints are custom-fitted devices worn over the teeth — typically at night — to protect the joints from reinjury and alleviate pain caused by clenching and grinding.
Learn moreOAT/MAD for Sleep Apnea
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea — or those who cannot tolerate CPAP — Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) aka Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is a highly effective alternative that improves airway patency during sleep.
Learn moreOrofacial Pain Management
Chronic orofacial pain — including neuropathic conditions, persistent facial pain, and headache disorders — requires a thorough diagnostic workup and a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Learn moreHeadache Management
When headaches are triggered by jaw muscle tension, bruxism, or TMJ dysfunction, treating the trigger can dramatically reduce headache frequency and severity — without relying solely on medication.
Learn moreInjections & Medication Management
When your care calls for additional support, Dr. Haigler offers a range of targeted injection therapies and evidence-based medication management to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle hyperactivity.
Learn moreOral splints for TMJ disorders & bruxism
Oral splints are custom-fitted devices worn over the teeth — typically at night — to protect the joints from reinjury and alleviate pain caused by clenching and grinding.
- Precisely fitted to your bite using digital or physical impressions
- Reduces muscle hyperactivity and joint loading during sleep
- Effective for TMJ disorders, bruxism, and some headaches
- Non-invasive, reversible, and comfortable for most patients
Oral splints are one of the most well-supported conservative treatments for TMJ disorders and bruxism. By providing a stable place to rest and decreasing shear force from bruxism, these devices reduce the forces that damage the joint and surrounding muscles.
Dr. Haigler designs each splint based on a thorough clinical evaluation, ensuring the device addresses your specific diagnosis rather than providing a generic solution. Follow-up care and adjustments are included to optimize outcomes.
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea — or those who cannot tolerate CPAP — Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) aka Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is a highly effective alternative that improves airway patency during sleep.
- Custom-fitted mandibular advancement devices (MADs)
- Effective alternative or adjunct to CPAP therapy
- Titrated and adjusted for optimal airway opening
- Coordination with sleep medicine physicians for diagnosis and follow-up
As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Haigler is specially trained to provide oral appliance therapy for sleep-disordered breathing. MADs work by gently advancing the lower jaw during sleep, which keeps the airway open and reduces apnea events.
A sleep study is required for diagnosis before treatment begins. Dr. Haigler works collaboratively with sleep medicine physicians to ensure patients receive a complete evaluation and that treatment outcomes are properly monitored.
Comprehensive pain evaluation & management
Chronic orofacial pain — including neuropathic conditions, persistent facial pain, and headache disorders — requires a thorough diagnostic workup and a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
- Comprehensive evaluation of pain history, triggers, and patterns
- Pharmacological management tailored to pain type and severity
- Trigger point injections and nerve blocks when indicated
- Coordination with neurology, physical therapy, and pain specialists
Orofacial pain conditions — including trigeminal neuralgia, burning mouth syndrome, atypical odontalgia, and persistent idiopathic facial pain — are complex and often require a specialist's expertise to diagnose accurately. Dr. Haigler takes a systematic approach, ruling out contributing factors and identifying the underlying pain mechanism before recommending treatment.
Treatment plans are individualized and may include medications, procedural interventions, and referrals to other specialists. Dr. Haigler believes in keeping patients fully informed and involved in every step of their care.
Headache treatment
When headaches are triggered by jaw muscle tension, bruxism, or TMJ dysfunction, treating the trigger can dramatically reduce headache frequency and severity — without relying solely on medication.
- Identification of headache patterns
- Oral appliance therapy to reduce nighttime muscle activity
- Behavioral and postural guidance to reduce daytime clenching
- Collaboration with neurologists for complex or refractory cases
Many patients with chronic tension-type headaches or headaches that haven't responded to standard treatment can have an underlying orofacial trigger that has gone unrecognized. Overactive jaw muscles — often from nighttime clenching or grinding — can refer pain to the temples, forehead, and neck.
Dr. Haigler works alongside neurologists and primary care physicians to ensure patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care.
Therapeutic injections & pharmacological care
When your care calls for additional support, Dr. Haigler offers a range of targeted injection therapies and evidence-based medication management to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle hyperactivity.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections: 1) for jaw muscle pain and bruxism 2) for neuropathic pain or headache
- Therapeutic TMJ injections: corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, and/or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Trigger point injections for myofascial pain
- Pharmacological management tailored to pain type and severity
Injection therapies can provide meaningful relief when pain is driven by muscle hyperactivity, joint inflammation, or myofascial trigger points. Botulinum toxin injections reduce the force of jaw muscle contractions and they block some of the pain signaling. Intra-articular TMJ injections — including corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) — target joint friction, inflammation and degeneration directly.
Medication management is an integral part of orofacial pain care. Dr. Haigler prescribes and monitors pharmacological therapies — including muscle relaxants, neuropathic pain agents, and anti-inflammatory medications — tailored to each patient's diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals. All interventions are selected based on current evidence and specialty guidelines.
Our philosophy
Conservative care first
Dr. Haigler's treatment philosophy centers on the most conservative, reversible interventions that can achieve meaningful relief. Surgery and irreversible procedures are rarely necessary and are never recommended without exhausting conservative options first. Every treatment plan begins with a thorough diagnosis — because the right treatment depends entirely on understanding the true source of your pain.
Evidence-based
Every treatment recommendation is grounded in current clinical research and specialty guidelines.
Conservative first
We start with the least invasive approaches and escalate only when necessary.
Individualized
No two patients are alike. Your treatment plan is built around your specific diagnosis and goals.
Collaborative
We work closely with your other providers to ensure coordinated, whole-person care.
Ready to discuss your treatment options?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Haigler to receive a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.