Referrals From Dentists and Healthcare Providers
A useful referral should make the reason for consultation clear without creating unnecessary duplication of care. We want referring providers to be able to identify the concern, send relevant records, and tell us what kind of communication would be helpful. Professional referrals may be appropriate in several areas.
TMJ and Jaw Pain
A focused dental evaluation may help patients with ongoing jaw pain or other signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). These may include:
- Trouble opening the mouth
- Painful jaw clicking or locking
- Sore chewing muscles
- Worn teeth
Dr. James W. Massa examines the teeth, jaw, and bite. He may also use K-7 technology to record jaw movement, muscle activity, and information about the jaw joints.
When needed, ULF-TENS uses gentle electrical pulses to help the muscles relax. CBCT imaging can provide a 3D view of the jaw bones when it would help with the evaluation.
Diagnosed Sleep Apnea and Oral Appliance Therapy
Patients with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea may be referred to Dr. Massa to see if oral appliance therapy is a good fit. This may include patients who struggle with positive airway pressure therapy or want to discuss another option with their medical provider.
Dr. Massa checks the teeth, gums, and how the jaws fit together. This helps him determine whether an oral appliance may be suitable. Dental care does not replace a medical sleep apnea diagnosis. Coordination with the patient’s medical provider remains important throughout treatment.
Patients without a diagnosis may need a medical sleep evaluation if they report:
Ongoing snoring
Breathing pauses during sleep
Waking up gasping
Excessive daytime sleepiness
This evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis before treatment is chosen.
Complex Dental Repairs and Worn Teeth
Patients with severe tooth wear, several damaged teeth, or older dental work that is breaking down may need a plan for the whole mouth.
Massa Dental Center looks at how these needs connect. This helps us decide which treatments to recommend and in what order.
Dr. Massa’s background includes comprehensive restorative dentistry and jaw function. Dr. Tony Tomaro’s background includes restoring severely worn teeth and designing smiles.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Smile Design Referrals
Some patients want cosmetic treatment that needs more planning than teeth whitening or fixing a chipped tooth.
Dr. Tony Tomaro has years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. His background includes veneers, smile design, and restoring worn teeth. His professional biography also notes that other dentists have referred patients to him for care.
Smile planning considers tooth shape, size, and position. It also accounts for existing dental work, tooth wear, facial features, and the patient’s goals.
Gum Disease and LANAP Referrals
Patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease may need further evaluation if previous gum treatment has not fully addressed the problem. An evaluation may also help when another treatment approach is being considered.
Dr. Tracey Hughes completed advanced training and certification in LANAP® and LAPIP through the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD).
LANAP uses a laser to treat diseased gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue. Referring providers can share the patient’s gum health history, past treatments, and current concerns. This helps our team determine whether a LANAP evaluation may be appropriate.
Referral Form
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Meet the Dentists Receiving Referrals
Knowing a dentist’s training and experience can help you make a referral. Massa Dental Center’s dentists bring different backgrounds, ongoing education, and clinical experience to patient care.
Dr. James W. Massa
Dr. James W. Massa earned his DDS with honors from Georgetown University School of Dentistry. He has completed Dawson and Pankey coursework and holds Fellowship status from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.
His professional memberships include:
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
- International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics
- International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Florida Dental Association
- Collier County Dental Association
Dr. Tony Tomaro
Dr. Tony Tomaro earned his DDS from the University of Michigan in 1980. Before dental school, he studied biology and histology, the study of tissues, at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
He spent 26 years in private practice in Grand Rapids. He later served as Director of Clinics at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies for three years.
Through Catapult Education, he lectures on cosmetic dentistry, natural smile design, and restoring worn teeth.
Dr. Tracey Hughes
Dr. Tracey Hughes brings experience in gum disease care and laser treatment to Massa Dental Center. She completed advanced training and certification in LANAP® and LAPIP through the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD).
She previously provided LANAP treatment as an independent provider in general dental practices in Central Iowa.
Her background supports care for patients who may benefit from laser treatment for gum disease. She works within each patient’s overall dental care plan, so referring providers can stay involved in ongoing care.
Questions Before You Refer?
If you are unsure whether a patient’s concern is within the scope of care available at Massa Dental Center, call first.
Our team can clarify the available appointment type and help determine which information should accompany the referral, without promising a service or workflow that does not apply to the case.
Call Massa Dental Center at to discuss a professional referral.
