Many people who come to Tampa TMJ have been living with jaw pain, clicking or headaches for months or even years, and some have already seen several providers. Others come after an accident or injury, with symptoms they never had before. Either way, your first visit is where things start to make sense.
“My goal is for patients to leave their first visit feeling heard, better informed, and with a clearer understanding of the next steps in their care,” says Dr. Doraida Leon.
Your visit, in four steps
Listen. Dr. Leon reviews your health history and symptom questionnaire with you. She asks when your symptoms began, how they affect your daily life, what makes them better or worse, and what you hope to improve.
Examine. Dr. Leon examines your head, neck, face and jaw, as well as the inside of your mouth. She checks your joints, muscles and surrounding soft tissues, teeth and bite; measures how your jaw moves; evaluates areas of tenderness; and assesses your posture. In-office iCAT 3D imaging is available and may be recommended based on your evaluation, for a closer look at the jaw joints, teeth, nasal passages and airway.
Explain. Dr. Leon discusses her findings and what may be contributing to your symptoms in plain language, in English or Spanish. You leave understanding what is going on, not just holding a diagnosis.
Plan. You talk through your treatment options and next steps, with time to ask questions. Depending on what she finds, your plan can draw on custom appliances, injectable PRF, neuromodulators, in-office therapies, sleep and airway care, or Emface. If another evaluation or referral would help, Dr. Leon explains why.
Before you come in
- Plan for about an hour. Your visit may take longer if paperwork is incomplete or imaging or treatment takes place that day.
- Paperwork comes to you. The office emails your new-patient paperwork when you book.
- Bring a copy of your ID or driver's license.
- In a lot of pain? Dr. Leon will discuss whether conservative treatment can begin at your first visit, following your evaluation and consent.
When you are ready
Request an evaluation or call (813) 772-4563, in English or Spanish. Tampa TMJ is at 3911 West Waters Avenue, Suite 4, in Tampa, with parking steps from the front door. Meet Dr. Leon before you come in.
Questions patients ask
How long is the first visit?
Plan for about an hour. It may take longer if paperwork is incomplete or imaging or treatment takes place that day.
What should I bring?
A copy of your ID or driver's license. The office emails your new-patient paperwork when you book.
Can I start treatment at the first visit?
If you are in significant pain, Dr. Leon will discuss whether conservative treatment can begin at your first visit, following your evaluation and consent.
Can I have my visit in Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Leon is bilingual and speaks with Spanish-speaking patients directly, in their preferred language.