Dr. Balatgekis a native of Berks County. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and a Master of Science Degree in Craniofacial Pain through Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. She has earned Diplomate Status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Pain Management, along with Fellowship status with the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain.Dr. Balatgek is licensed in the state of PA to provide all dental services, including general dentistry, orthodontics, and TMJ and Sleep Disorder treatments. She also serves as a dentist at the Center for TMJ & Sleep Disorders, LLC.
Andrea is our practice manager and patient coordinator. She will help you with any aspect of scheduling, billing, and treatment. Andrea is experienced with all aspects of TMJ and Sleep Disorders, General dentistry and is x-ray certified. She attended Berks vocational Technical School for dental assisting and brings many years of experience to our practice. Andrea is married to Darrell and has a grown son, Jayson and daughter-in-law Kailey. Andrea has three dogs, Lily, Leah, and Lexie. She loves floral arranging, camping, beach vacations, and loves a good casino trip!.
Sandyis a Certified Dental Assistant and has a PA x-ray certification, OSHA certification, and CPR certification. Sandy has been with the Center for TMJ and Sleep Disorders since the early days of the practice and remains an integral member of the practice. She has three children, four grandchildren, and a dog, Shaggy Maggie. Sandy attended Muhlenberg High School, Berks Community College, and Harris School of Business. Sandy enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Tara is our Digital Lab Technician and a certified dental assistant and lives in Reamstown. Tara is married to Rick and they have one teenage son named Ricky, and many furry and feathered other children including a dog, cats, a rabbit, chickens, geese and peacocks. Tara graduated from Central Penn Business School in 1997 with an Associate in Hotel and Restaurant Management Degree and from Berks Technical Institute in 2010 with an Associate degree in Dental Assisting. She is PA Radiology certified. Tara's interests and hobbies include: Classic Car Cruises, taking care of her animals, making crafts from her birds feathers, baking, going out to dinner, reading, and going on day trips with her family. Tara says ' I have worked in the dental field since graduation and enjoy its many challenges and find it to be a fun and rewarding career choice.'
Melissais our Treatment Coordinator. She resides in Exeter Township with her husband Steven, 3 children, 2 bunnies and 1 hermit Crab. Melissa graduated with honors from Berks Technical Institute as a Certified Dental Assistant and is x-ray certified. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys going to the beach, entertaining family and friends and playing games.
Christa is a dental assistant who attended the Berks Career and Technology Center. She also has a degree from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. Her hobbies include painting, photography, hiking, cooking and gardening.
Dr. Tammy Balatgek provides diagnosis and treatments for TMJ Disorders, headaches, snoring, and Sleep Apnea. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from THE Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and a Master of Science Degree in Craniofacial Pain through Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. She has earned Diplomate Status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and Fellowship status with the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. She has attended over 1500 hours of continuing education in TMJ Disorders, snoring, sleep apnea, orthodontics, and related topics.
Dr. Balatgek is also a forensic dentist for Berks County and Philadelphia County. She aids authorities in identifying deceased persons through dental records. She also helps law enforcement with criminal cases where bite marks are involved.
'Dr. Tammy' is a native of Berks County. She also goes serves philanthropically by going on dental mission trips to Jamaica, participating yearly with MOM-N-PA local dental mission, and as a committee member for St. Joe 's Penn State Hospital Charity Ball. Outside of the office, Dr. Balatgek enjoys cooking, gardening, travel, and spending time with her two adult daughters, Leigh and Kate.
In addition to hundreds of hours of postdoctoral training (click to download CV), Dr. Tammy Balatgek has personal experience to add when caring for patients in pain. She is passionate about helping people with headaches and facial pain, as she suffered with symptoms for over 20 years.
My pain story began when I had my braces as a teenager. My teeth were very crowded and my lower jaw was trapped behind my crowded upper teeth, causing it to pinch nerves and blood vessels that led to inflammation within the jaw joint. The inflammation then caused headaches and facial pain. Unfortunately, my orthodontic treatment plan involved extraction of permanent teeth to align the other teeth, which gave me straight teeth but kept the lower jaw set back too far. So for many years, I would suffer with at least two migraines per month, sometimes up to two per week. At that time, the migraine abortive medicine, Imitrex, was just being introduced. It came in the form of an injection. I can remember giving myself jabbing shots in the arm or leg with the burning serum, and then feeling the wave of relief wash over me, allowing me to function. During college, I recall a photograph of myself with a can of cold soda against my head to help ease the pain! As time went on, the migraine headaches continued two to four times per month and I was also getting daily tension headaches in which my entire face would hurt. I experienced several sinus infections each fall and winter. I tried several different pharmaceutical approaches, however, the headaches still persisted.
I was able to get through college and dental school, and then came additional life pressures. With a full time dental practice and two young children to care for, the headaches and facial pain were unwanted distractions and at times, would consume me. I can remember having to lie down in a dental chair over lunch, close my eyes in a dark room, and be awoken by the staff to treat patients for the afternoon. At the end of the day, I would rush home to my children, only to crash on the couch with an ice pack and miss out on the enjoyment of spending time with them due to the headaches. I missed out on much that life had to offer due to living in chronic pain.
About eight years into my dental career, I attended an orthodontic course in which the speaker had talked about migraines and TMJ. As a typical general dentist, I knew that TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) was part of the lower jaw, however, I didnt know the signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder. When I held my hands in front of my ears and opened and closed my mouth, I heard and felt my jaw clicking and popping. That was a significant turning point in my life. I attended any course that I could to learn about jaw joint disorders so I could get rid of my pain. I was the first patient to be treated by myself and I wore a mouthpiece on my lower teeth. The mouthpiece moved my lower jaw away from the nerves and blood vessels so they were no longer pinched, and my headaches decreased significantly. I stopped taking all medication and was finally alive and able to live my life without debilitating pain.
My thirst for knowledge continued and the natural progression of learning the anatomy of the jaw joint led to a greater understanding of the airway and sleep disordered breathing, such as snoring and sleep apnea. I realized this information was not readily available to dentists or physicians and felt a responsibility to share this knowledge by providing these treatments in my practice. I was able to positively change my life and I am more than eager to share this information to help others live free from what may seem like endless pain and headaches! We have answers you have been looking for, the understanding that you have real symptoms and are not crazy, and the compassion to listen to what you have to say.
Reviews
Rating 4.1 out of 5 based on 35 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMichelle Ruhf
2 years ago
Dr. Tammy and her staff are so kind and helpful! My experience there (over the last 16 months having my jaw realigned) has really improved my quality of life! I have less headaches and less Meniere's attacks and therefore less vertigo with clearer thinking! Thank you to the TMJ center in Reading!
Bonnie Brown
2 years ago
I am a dental hygienist and have started to feel the effects of my clenching and grinding over the past few years. I have heard first hand from many patients who have been treated for TMJ and sleep issues with Dr Tammy. So many patients rave about the changes in their lives with their sleep appliances. Last week, I had my appliance delivered and I was shocked to wake up the next morning feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. I attributed my fatigue these past few years to an autoimmune disorder but I know now that it was my inability to sleep. I am truly amazed with how I feel now on a daily basis. And, I no longer wake up with headaches or jaw pain! Bonus for my husband--he hasn't heard me snore since the first night I wore the appliance. Thanks, Dr. Tammy and your amazing staff!
E M
2 years ago
Any medical facility that turns away disabled people gets one star imo. You only get the luxury of good healthcare or controlled pain when you are wealthy.
Megan Conigliaro
2 years ago
My husband made an appointment for a sleep study. Was told when making the appointment that a sleep study would be $150 however, that is not the case. It was a $150 to walk in and get "examined". To get a sleep study, it would be almost, if not more, $400. On top of that, the cost of anything you would need based on your results is insanely expensive. If you are looking for a sleep study, call a doctor that'll take your health insurance and save yourself some money because this place is highway robbery. For the business itself, please make your pricing much more clearer when you have a new patient calling to make an appointment. It's nice for that person to know before walking in the door that your fee only covers the in office examination and not the actual sleep study. ***THIS REVIEW IS DONE BY THE WIFE OF THE PATIENT WHO WAS MISLEAD BY THE OFFICE STAFF THAT HE SPOKE TO-PER MY HUSBAND'S WORDS. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR STATING THE RESPONSE BELOW FOR ALL THE VIEWERS OF MY REVIEW LEFT FOR MY HUSBAND*** Thank you,
Courtney Etzweiler
2 years ago
We are in total amazement to experience relief and actually see and feel improvement from Dr. Balatgek and her extraordinary team! The entire office is so kind, personable, positive and so very knowledgeable on TMJ and more. My child is improving and as a parent I can't put into words the relief and hope this brings to us! I am so inspired by the work this team does and the difference they make in people's lives! They truly care and everything they do reveals that. Feeling so grateful and blessed! God is so good how He led us to her!
Gratefully Living
2 years ago
I had no hope for my jaw pain before finding this business. The jaw appliance that Dr.Tammy made for me has relieved almost 100% of my pain and tension which in turn increased my quality of life. My regular doctor tried prescribing medication and then suggested surgery as the next step. I was not open to that and I'm so glad this natural route was available to me! Also everyone who works here is very pleasant. Highly recommend.
Center for TMJ & Sleep Disorders
2 years ago
Dr. Slootsky was very gentle and caring.
Robert Povish
2 years ago
After many visits to many different Doctors...I was passed off to see Dr. Balatgek. I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea...I can't tolerate cpap.. came to this office to explore possibly getting an "oral appliance.". I repeatedly explained to the Doctor..that I have never been diagnosed with TMJ by three oral surgeons but without listening, she insisted that I have TMJ. She jumps to the 4500 dollar oral appliance package. I get a little nervous when cash only practices push one treatment...namely...an oral appliance they make and charge astronomical amounts for a thin piece of plastic that may not work. I brought up many other issues that she glossed over. Overall...I walked out of there no closer to a solution, with a feeling I was not listened to and my wallet 150 dollars lighter.
Eileen Heim
2 years ago
I was very pleased with the time and care I received. I have been using an appliance for TMJ issues for six years.. I recently had to have my appliance adjusted because of a new crown on one of my teeth. Dr. Balatgek and assistants did a super job making the appliance fit properly. I appreciated their patience and the extra time it took.
Danielle Huber
2 years ago
Dr. Tammy and her staff are amazing. But I feel like we should be told upfront before we go in and waste our money on the initial appointment that we will need over $4000 upfront before they can help us. It's a little disheartening for those of us I like myself who try to avoid the dentist at all costs because of anxiety. The only way you can get help for payment is through financing and courtesy of Covid that's not an option for everybody. Other payment plans should be offered, whether or not they automatically come out of your bank account or debit card and they themselves could offer free financing instead of having to take out a small loan from the bank.
Jacquelyn Brumbach
2 years ago
Great staff and wonderful result. I haven't had the excruciating jaw pain that would come on like a migraine since I started using the TMJ appliance. I also have been able to stop using my CPAP.
V H
2 years ago
Dr Tammy confirmed my suspicion that my TMJ was connected to my Meniere's Diseases, - vertigo, hearing loss and Tinnitus. I'm currently waiting for my mouth piece to be made and will post another review once I've started wearing it. If this treatment resolves my issues... It'll be with every penny! The whole staff was very kind, compassionate and professional... An excellent and hopeful experience! I'm so frustrated that the doctors and ENT specialists I went to previously never told me about the potential that my jaw was causing my problems.
Lori Wanner
2 years ago
In 2018 I went to the Center for TMJ & Sleep Disorders after literally drinking my meals for weeks, and years of off and on jaw pain, clicking, and locking. After receiving my appliance, which I use faithfully every night and for every nap, I immediately saw a dramatic improvement in all my symptoms. Two years later I have absolutely no jaw pain, clicking, or locking. I also have the added benefit of relief from chronic headaches and snoring. Anyone on the fence about seeing these wonderful professionals or on the fence about the price, please believe me when I say the investment is worth every penny! Everyone on the staff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and extremely kind. I highly recommend giving them a call!
Susan March
3 years ago
I have been so satisfied with my progress with TMJ disorder. The appliance that changes the position of my jaw has worked wonders quickly! Dr. Tammy and her staff are wonderful. They take all your concerns seriously and make you feel so at ease with the whole process. I hope that more people can come to understand all the interesting things that can benefit you from easing jaw pain and lack of sleep.
Eileen Heim
3 years ago
I was very pleased with the time and care I received. I have been using an appliance for TMJ issues for six years.. I recently had to have my appliance adjusted because of a new crown on one of my teeth. Dr. Balatgek and assistants did a super job making the appliance fit properly. I appreciated their patience and the extra time it took.
Center for TMJ & Sleep Disorders
3 years ago
Dr. Slootsky was very gentle and caring.
Becky C.
3 years ago
Such an amazing, friendly and caring staff. I drove 90 mins for this 1 hr 45 min appt and was so pleased with the thoroughness, expertise and recommendations.
Robert Povish
3 years ago
After many visits to many different Doctors...I was passed off to see Dr. Balatgek. I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea...I can't tolerate cpap.. came to this office to explore possibly getting an "oral appliance.". I repeatedly explained to the Doctor..that I have never been diagnosed with TMJ by three oral surgeons but without listening, she insisted that I have TMJ. She jumps to the 4500 dollar oral appliance package. I get a little nervous when cash only practices push one treatment...namely...an oral appliance they make and charge astronomical amounts for a thin piece of plastic that may not work. I brought up many other issues that she glossed over. Overall...I walked out of there no closer to a solution, with a feeling I was not listened to and my wallet 150 dollars lighter.
Lori Wanner
3 years ago
In 2018 I went to the Center for TMJ & Sleep Disorders after literally drinking my meals for weeks, and years of off and on jaw pain, clicking, and locking. After receiving my appliance, which I use faithfully every night and for every nap, I immediately saw a dramatic improvement in all my symptoms. Two years later I have absolutely no jaw pain, clicking, or locking. I also have the added benefit of relief from chronic headaches and snoring. Anyone on the fence about seeing these wonderful professionals or on the fence about the price, please believe me when I say the investment is worth every penny! Everyone on the staff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and extremely kind. I highly recommend giving them a call!
Danielle Huber
3 years ago
Dr. Tammy and her staff are amazing. But I feel like we should be told upfront before we go in and waste our money on the initial appointment that we will need over $4000 upfront before they can help us. It's a little disheartening for those of us I like myself who try to avoid the dentist at all costs because of anxiety. The only way you can get help for payment is through financing and courtesy of Covid that's not an option for everybody. Other payment plans should be offered, whether or not they automatically come out of your bank account or debit card and they themselves could offer free financing instead of having to take out a small loan from the bank.
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