Center for Facial Pain & Dental Sleep Medicine

Doctor Resources

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:46:15 GMT

Webinars No Frills TMJ Course Book Listen to the full recording Introduction to Dental Sleep Medicine Course Book Listen to the full recording New developments in Bruxism Listen now to Dr. Prehn's Podcast! No Frills TMD for the RDH Check back for updated topics! University of Texas Medical Branch Correctional Managed Care - Winter Conference Presentations Dental Sleep Medicine as it applies to Sleep Disordered Breathing Upper airway resistance syndrome as it relates to bruxism and TMJ Assessment of SDB and TMJ The DDS and MD Relationship in Sleep Medicine Check Out this featured article in the May 2007 TDA Journal! SLEEPLESS IN TEXAS by Ronald S. Prehn, D.D.S Referral Form Articles & Abstracts Forms Register for Seminars i-Cat Information Contact Dr. Prehn Note:...

Wisconsin Dental Sleep Medicine, P.C. - Wausau, WI

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:07:40 GMT

413 Jefferson Street Wausau, WI 54403 715-845-6419 Click here for map and directions Ronald S. Prehn, D.D.S. Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine is proud to announce that he is now accepting new patients with sleep disorders and snoring concerns. Dental Sleep Medicine is a new and emerging field in dentistry that offers patients advanced treatment options, alternatives to CPAP and enriched quality of life. Click here for our WISCONSIN NEW PATIENT FORMS Ask us about our Snoring/Sleep Apnea Pre-Screening Program

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:35:04 GMT

TAP III ® (Thornton Adjustable Positioner appliance) One of many types of oral mandibular advancement splints (MAS), as treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. This appliance is based on the same principles as cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. As the tongue falls back into the throat, it causes a constricted or collapsed airway which results in snoring and/or sleep apnea. The TAPÒ holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall back during the night and cause the airway to collapse. Maintaining an open airway reduces snoring, improves breathing, decreases many health risks and results in a better nights sleep with less daytime fatigue. TAP-PAP Ò For some, like the most severe cases, a MAS is insufficient, or the side effects are a medical concern. Then a CPAP machine is necessary to open the airway. The most prevalent problem for people who have to have a CPAP is the leakage...

Register for Seminars

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:44:34 GMT

Ron, you did a great job at the sleep course... you made us dentists proud! - Stephen A. Buehler, D.D.S. Fall 2008 New Developments in Bruxism Online Webinar October 8, 2008 5:30PM-6:30PM Frontiers in TAP-CPAP Interface Las Vegas, NV November 15, 2008 Look for Dr. Prehn as a featured speaker at 2009's Star of the South in Houston, Texas! Check back for more information!! Houston, Sleep Education Consortium's 4th Annual Sleep Education Conference February 2009

Sleep Disorder and Snoring Screening Program

Tue, 27 May 2008 14:01:21 GMT

Apnea Risk Screening Questionnaire Step 1: Click here SLEEP SCREENING Step 2: Enter the following Username and Password. Username: DrPrehn Password: patient ** Login is case sensitive** Step 3: Click the Quest button and reenter the login information above. Step 4: Complete the screener...

The Dangers of Snoring

Wed, 21 May 2008 17:08:10 GMT

Snoring Defined: vibrating noise coming from oropharyngeal structures that are most otably the vibration of the soft palate, uvula and pharygeal walls as a result of the collapse of the airway. Dr. Ronald S. Prehn The Danger of snoring is the last few words of the definition as a result of the collapse of the airway. There are several principles of flow dynamics at play in this dynamic process, but the one to understand is the Bernoulli’s principle. As the speed of a moving fluid (liquid or gas) increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases. Wikipedia Like a shower curtain that collapses into you (from decrease pressure) as you turn on the shower (increased velocity). Watch this Video: Therefore the dangers of snoring are related to the fact that snoring may be an early indication of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The following conditions are known to either be caused by OSA or aggravated by OSA: Heart disease High blood...

Success Stories

Mon, 19 May 2008 21:24:21 GMT

I am writing to tell you how much you blessed me in the two times I was seen in your office so far. You and your staff were so kind and gentle with me I wanted to give everyone a big hug. It is so rare to have that kind of spirit of love in an office. Thank you for being understanding and sympathetic to your patients. You truly made me feel right at home. – Tiffany Experiencing TMJ was pretty traumatic for me, but with the help of Dr. Prehn and his staff, after a year, my symptoms have almost completely subsided. Nice to know if I have a problem they are only a phone call away. – Diane Just had to let you know how much I appreciated the atmosphere of warmth and caring experienced during my recent visit. The feeling I was your only patient and you had all the time in the world to help me feel better is like the mastercard commercial says, this is priceless. Bless you all – Thelma ...

Health Editorials

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:14:44 GMT

by Christyna

Is Sleep Overrated?

Do you find yourself yawning and rubbing your eyes frequently throughout the day? This may be because your body is not getting the deep sleep you need in order to function correctly throughout the entire day. There could be many reasons for this. One of the most common reasons is sleep apnea....Click to continue.

Articles & Abstracts

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:36:10 GMT

TMJ / Facial Pain Clinical Signs of TMJ Osteoarthrosis and Internal Derangement 30 Years After Nonsurgical Treatment - Reny de Leeuw, D.D.S.;Geert Boering, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Boudewijn Stegenga, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Lambert G.M. de Bont, D.D.S., Ph.D. A Change of Occlusal Conditions After Splint Therapy for Bruxers with and Without Pain in the Masticatory Muscles - Tetsunori Fujii, D.D.S, Ph.D.; Tetsurou Torisu, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Shigeru Nakamura, D.D.S. Relationship Between the TMJ Disc and Condyle Position on MRI and Occlusal Contacts on Lateral Excursions in TMD Patients - N. Taşkaya-ilmaz; M.Öğütcen-Toller; Y.Ş. Saraç Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment Outcomes: Second Report of a Large-Scale Prospective Clinical Study - Donald T. Brown, D.D.S., M.S.; Elmer L. Gaudet, Jr., D.D.S., M.S.D. Effect of a Full-Arch Maxillary Occlusal Splint on Parafunctional Activity During Sleep in Patients with Nocturnal Bruxism and Signs and Symptoms of Craniomandibular Disorders -...

Home Left Column

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:00:29 GMT

Learn about Facial Pain & TMJ treatment options Are your headaches normal? Snoring?? Find out why ARTICLES OF INTEREST Sleep Hygiene Advice Learn about increasing your sleep drive, keeping a daily rhythm, controlling drug effects and more... More Sleep Hygiene Advice... Why Is Pain A Gift...

Dr. Ronald S. Prehn's Weblog

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:17:56 GMT

Dr. Prehn's Weblog

Media

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:45:20 GMT

Dr. Prehn is available as an expert on a variety of heath conditions.

Dr. Prehn's areas of expertise include:

TMJ, headaches, facial pain, neuralgias, migraines, bruxism and sleep disorders.

Please contact us to set up a phone or in-person interview or to schedule Dr. Prehn to speak at your event about any of above health issues.

For more information about Dr. Prehn, you can read his bio here.

Contact Dr. Ronald S. Prehn

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:44:48 GMT

1001 Medical Plaza Dr.
Suite 200
The Woodlands, TX 77380
281-296-6797 t
281-296-6887 f
manager@tmjtexas.com

Links

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:59:00 GMT

The following links will take you to other Web sites that are well respected for the information they contain regarding facial pain conditions and TMJ disorders. Some may be of a technical nature, so if you need further explanation, bring your questions with you and Dr. Prehn will answer them for you during your appointment. Detailed medical information regarding TMJ/TMD disorders and symptoms, orofacial pain, neuralgia, fibromyalgia and headaches TMJ and TMD: More information on TMJ vs. TMD TMJ anatomy Mayo Clinic about TMD Details about TMD signs, symptoms and treatment Orofacial Pain: American Academy of Orofacial Pain American Academy of Craniofacial Pain American Board of Orofacial Pain Excellent overview of signs and symtpoms of orofacial pain Neuralgia: More infomation about trigeminal neuralgia ...

SLEEP DISORDERS

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:55:41 GMT

There are many types of sleep disorders, but the most common known at this time in the ever-growing specialty of sleep medicine are snoring, sleep apnea and insomnia. Snoring is easily diagnosed by a bed partner. Insomnolence is known by the patient and often is the result of pain or anxiety. Sleep apnea is the reduction of oxygen in the blood (due to many possible causes), with the obstruction of the upper airway being the most common. The most common forms of diagnosis are a sleep study with a CPAP machine or an oral mandibular advancement orthotic (fabricated by Dr. Prehn). If the cause is other than upper airway, such as neurological or lower airway, then an oral appliance will not work. The appliance pulls the mandible forward, thereby opening the upper airway and allowing passage of air. It is critical to Dr. Prehn that the appliance allows free lateral movement of the lower jaw in order to keep the TM joints lubricated at night. Sometimes the...

HEADACHES

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:54:32 GMT

Headaches have many causes that can only be determined by careful pain history evaluation and accurate diagnostic procedures and imaging. The most common causes are muscle tension headaches and migraines.

Muscle tension headaches usually occur in the temples or neck and are constant and sometimes throb.
Migraines are associated with neurological symptoms and may include light sensitivity and dizziness (the most common).
Sinus headaches are usually a "pressure" feeling in the forehead and under the eyes.
There are many other types that are less common and some that are life-threatening

If you experience more than two headaches per week, we suggest you seek care from your physician or from a headache specialist like Dr. Prehn. If you are currently under the care of a headache specialist and your headaches are being managed well, we suggest you stay under the care of that doctor. But if you find yourself frustrated by continued headaches, it may be that you have other contributing factors your doctor may not be aware of because of his training and practice focus. These are the type of headaches that Dr. Prehn specializes in. He has received training in many medical and dental specialties to diagnose and treat headaches that cross medical and dental specialties.

Important Note: If you have the worst headache you have ever had, or this is your first bad headache, you should go to the Emergency Room immediately.

TMJ DISORDERS

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:53:56 GMT

TMJ is an acronym for the temporomandibular joint. TMJ is an anatomical orthopedic joint, just like any other joint in your body. The key to the health of any joint, including this one, is lubrication. Most disorders of the TMJ are related to the lack of lubrication in the joint space. It is susceptible to the same problems as all your joints. Disorders of the TMJ are medical problems that require mainstream medical orthopedic treatments like orthotics, medications and physical therapy. TMJ has been used by many people through the years to actually describe TMD, which is an acronym for temporomandibular disorder. TMD...

Location/Map

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:49:51 GMT

Center for Facial Pain & Dental Sleep Medicine, P.C. 1001 Medical Plaza Dr. The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-296-6797 p 281-296-6887 f manager@tmjtexas.com Office Hours Mon. –Thu. 8:30a.m. – 4:30p.m. Closed Fri. –Sun. It is about 35 miles north of downtown Houston, Tex., just off I-45 North. Detailed driving directions are available by clicking here. Zoom In | Get Directions | Click here to view our office From Houston and points south of The Woodlands: Take I-45 North or the Hardy Toll Road North (until it merges with I-45 North). Exit at Research Forest Dr./Tamina Road (Exit 77). Make U-turn at light and head back toward Houston, but stay in the right-hand lane of the feeder road. Turn right on Medical Plaza Dr. (street is right...

Mission / Vision / Values

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:46:13 GMT

Our Mission We will endeavor to use our God-given talents to serve our patients, referring doctors, dentists and staff. We will strive to identify all of the factors contributing to our patients’ medical pain conditions by addressing the total patient, including his or her physical, emotional and spiritual needs, by using state-of-the-art diagnostic and appropriate treatment procedures. Our goal is to serve by maintaining a comfortable, empathetic and loving environment, while pointing all to Christ by our competency, character and compassion. We want to be a light in the dark world of facial pain in South Texas and beyond. Pain can affect the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person’s life. We are committed to addressing all three when a patient presents to our office in pain. Orofacial pain and headaches have many contributing factors involving both medical and dental science. We are committed to bridging that...

Prehn Dental History

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:34:47 GMT

Dr. Ronald Prehn's family has a longstanding history in the medical health field. His great-uncle, Dr. Fred C. Prehn, was a general surgeon in Wausau, Wis., from 1920 – 1960. His other great-uncle, Dr. Douglas T. Prehn, was a well known urologist in the U.S. Navy during the same period.

Prehn Dental Office in Wausau, Wisconsin, was started by Dr. Delos C. Prehn in 1921. For many years, Dr. Delos Prehn practiced above the Mueller Jewelry Store building, then Petran Jewelry Store, at 230 ½ Third Street in downtown Wausau. In 1953, after graduating from Marquette University School of Dentistry, Dr. Donald Prehn joined his father, Dr. Delos Prehn, and they practiced together for almost 17 years. Construction of the Wausau Mall destroyed the building, and the former Helke Funeral Home (a block away on Jefferson Street) was purchased in 1980 by Dr. Donald Prehn. This is where the present Prehn Dental Office is located. Dr. Donald Prehn was joined by his son, Dr. Frederick Prehn, in 1982, upon his graduation from Marquette University School of Dentistry. Dr. Ronald Prehn, also of Marquette, joined them for four years until Dr. Donald Prehn retired in 1993. Dr. Ronald Prehn moved to Texas to start a specialty practice in 1998. Dr. Frederick Prehn still runs the practice in Wausau. Their other brother, Dr. Robert B. Prehn, is a successful practicing otolaryngologist (ENT) surgeon in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Each consecutive generation has built upon the work of the previous generation and has kept the proven, time-honored techniques, combined with the newest in technology and procedure that dentistry benefits from today. Each generation has delivered — and is still delivering — high quality medical and dental care with competence, character and compassion.