Patient Stories
Jennifer’s Story
Imagine if you can having a constant pain in your jaw so bad that by the end of the day you can no longer talk and
must lay down and apply a heating pad for relief, a pain so bad that you could no longer chew and were consuming only
liquids. Such was the case for Jennifer Reeves, mother of three.
Jennifer initially thought that she was having ear trouble. A visit to the Ear Nose and Throat doctor revealed
that her terrible migraines and constant pain were caused by TMJ (Temporomandibular join disorder).
Jennifer's jaw was severely out of alignment and the only solution was to see a TMJ specialist for treatment.
When Jennifer learned that the treatment would be approximately $5,000 she called the health
department for assistance and was referred to the Interfaith Dental Clinic.
After her initial consult with staff dentist Dr. Laura Pierce, it was determined that Jennifer would indeed need
specialty care and the clinic arranged for her to receive it through Dr. Clifton Simmons, a local dentist
that volunteers his services for the Interfaith Dental Clinic. “
Dr. Pierce was wonderful at coordinating everything, she called personally and put forth the extra effort to ensure my treatment.
When I heard I was accepted, I just cried and thought thank you, thank you, thank you!!”
Jennifer is currently in active treatment for her TMJ. She receives shots weekly and wears a splint during the day and night to correct the problem.
She has felt a dramatic improvement in her overall health and well being as a result. “I am so thankful to have relief and not to have to make the decision between treatment and my families other needs.” states Jennifer.
So many of life’s simple pleasures have been returned to Jennifer. She can read to her children again, sing at church and enjoy eating once again.