About us

Tennessee Orofacial Myology provides in depth assessments and therapy plans for approximately all ages instead of 4 and older to emphasize training the relationship between the tongue, lips, teeth, and jaws. Myofunctional therapy can make an impact not only in a patient’s dental health, but also their systemic health. Our goal is to achieve proper function of the oral facial complex to attain life long health.

our team

Tommy Spears D.D.S.

Tommy has been practicing dentistry since he graduated the University of Tennessee in 1986. He was born in Maryville, TN, graduated from Maryville high school and Middle Tennessee State University with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry.  Approximately 10 years ago, Tommy was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and this motivated him to study the underlying causes and how to treat it. Ironically, his quest for information led him right back to Dentistry. He has come to realize he can see signs and symptoms in the oral cavity that are almost always related to an airway issue. In his constant journey to learn more he has encountered some colleagues that led him to help with airway issues from the very beginning of our lives which led him to helping infants from birth by lasering tethered oral tissue to promote closed mouth breathing. He has been helping babies and mothers with this for the past 10 years. Dr. Spears is committed to continually learn and to stay on the cusp of what this fluid data has to offer.

Tabitha Riffey

Tabitha started her career in dentistry in 2007 as a dental assistant, while pursuing an education in dental hygiene.  She graduated dental hygiene school in 2010 and began working for an airway centered dental practice a few years later. In understanding more about how the conditions she had seen in her patients mouth for years was directly related to airway and other myofunctional disorders, and the toll that takes on their overall systemic health she began to further her studies into myofunctional therapy. She has since completed countless hours of training in myofunctional therapy and is working towards being a Qualified Orofacial Myologist (QOM). Tabitha loves working with people of all ages to improve their overall health to get them living and feeling their best. 

Bethany Roth

Bethany has been a registered dental hygienist for 8 years.  She has been studying airway dentistry for the past 5 years.  She became interested in orofacial myology when she started learning about her own myofunctional disorders that were impacting her overall health.  After becoming trained in Orofacial Myology by the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) and Neo-Health Services, she decided to transition out of clinical hygiene to fully focus on improving the health of her patients through myofunctional therapy.  She has a passion to achieve optimal health for all individuals and strives to always continue her education so she can best serve others.  

frequently asked questions

Q. WHY DO WE TALK ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S SLEEP AT THE DENTIST?
Despite the old saying, “sleeping like a baby,” we now know that children are at risk for the same sleep disorders as adults and sleep-disordered breathing is not just a grown-up thing. Even children at a very young age can suffer from sleep-disordered breathing and if left untreated, could have negative consequences on their health.

Studies performed by researchers at Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that more than 11,000 children with sleep-disordered breathing were more likely to develop emotional or behavioral problems. Also, these children struggled with developing peer relationships as opposed to children that did not exhibit any symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing.

The researchers of this study compiled information from parent questionnaires. Parents were asked to answer various questions about their child’s sleep and breathing patterns, beginning from when their child was six months old until almost seven years old. Questionnaires regarding their child’s emotional and behavioral development were given to the parents when their child was four years old and again at the age of seven. The questionnaire addressed these issues: hyperactivity, anxiety and depression, problems with peers, conduct issues such as aggressiveness and rule-breaking, and positive social behaviors such as sharing and helpfulness.

Researchers concluded that children with sleep-disordered breathing were at higher risk of developing behavior or emotional problems as compared to children who suffered no breathing disorder while sleeping. The study also found these startling facts: that by the age of one year, children with sleep-disordered breathing were 40 to 100 percent more likely to develop behavioral problems. Hyperactivity and behavioral issues increased the most among children with sleep-disordered breathing. Also, over the six-year evaluation period, the study concluded that children with the most persistent sleep-disordered breathing exhibited the most severe behavioral problems of all.

Although this large-scale study provides a strong link between sleep-disordered breathing and behavioral problems among children, scientists have yet to determine why this is the case. The scientists believe a decrease in oxygen, lack of restorative sleep, and changes in body chemistry and cell development as a result of sleep deprivation, likely are what links sleep-disordered breathing and behavioral problems in children.

You may think sleep apnea only affects people who are older and overweight, but in reality, this disorder can affect patients of any age—even young children. Although only a sleep specialist can make a complete diagnosis of a sleep breathing disorder such as sleep apnea, at Crestview Dental Care, we can provide treatment for these disorders. Treatment varies, depending on the severity of the condition. But, if your child exhibits any of the symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea, ask us about a sleep apnea screening for kids today!

If your child is showing any of the symptoms above, or a sleep specialist already has diagnosed your child with a sleep breathing disorder, Dr. Spears can help. Call the office of Crestview Dental Care today at (865) 982-1700 if you live in Knoxville and Maryville in Tennessee.
Q. how can you prevent bad breath?
Bad breath (halitosis) is more than just a social problem. It can indicate a serious dental problem, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer. Your family dentists in Maryville at Crestview Dental Care compiled this information on how you can prevent bad breath, and how we can help.
WHAT CAUSES BAD BREATH?
Diet: Many people love coffee, onions, and garlic, but all three are known for causing your breath to smell bad. The odors from eating or drinking these foods can stick around until your body has fully processed those foods or beverages.
Poor Dental Hygiene: Failing to brush and floss as recommended, allows bacteria to proliferate in your mouth. These bacteria excrete foul-smelling waste particles.
Tobacco: You know that smoking is bad for your health, but it also can cause bad-smelling breath. The same goes for chewing tobacco. Please consider quitting if you use tobacco in any form.
Dry Mouth: This happens when your ability to produce saliva diminishes, usually because of age, chronic mouth breathing, or a side effect of taking certain prescription medications.
Medical Conditions: Bad breath can be a symptom of certain ailments, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, gum disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal trouble, liver ailments, and kidney disorders.
how can you prevent bad breath?
The best way to combat bad breath is to have your teeth cleaned professionally (called prophylaxis) and to maintain your own home care through regular brushing and flossing. The American Dental Association recommends each person brush at least twice per day, floss daily, and see their dentist every six months for a check-up that includes a professional dental cleaning. Make sure to brush your tongue as well as your teeth. Bacterial growth on the tongue causes the majority of cases of halitosis. You may want to purchase a tongue scraper to remove sulfur compounds that can accumulate on your tongue.

You also can change your diet. If you’re bothered by bad breath, limit your consumption of coffee, garlic, and other pungent smelling foods.

You may also want to evaluate what medications you’re taking. Antihistamines, for example, can dry out your mouth. But, speak to your doctor before ceasing any medications.

Chewing gum is good, but avoid gum that is not sugar-free. Sugar-based gums and mints can give you a mouthful of decay.
will mouthwash help?
Not necessarily. Generally, they are alcohol-based, and will, therefore, dry out your saliva and, in the long run, make things worse. And, they really do not kill bacteria (with the exception of Listerine, which does kill some bugs). One mouthwash, Peridex, is effective. It contains 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate, which has been shown to eliminate oral bacteria effectively. Peridex is available by prescription only.
dental care in knoxville
Bad breath can be a turn-off to those around you, and a sign of potential issues. If your bad breath is due to gum disease, Crestview Dental Care offers treatment for this ailment. We also provide general dentistry services, such as professional cleanings. Don’t live with the stigma and risk of bad breath. Schedule an appointment at our Maryville office today by calling (865) 982-1700.

Crestview Dental Care is here to serve patients in the areas of Maryville and Knoxville in Tennessee.
Q. WHY DOES THE DENTIST TAKE MY BLOOD PRESSURE?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is an asymptomatic disease that typically remains undetected until your doctor takes your blood pressure. Unless your blood pressure is dangerously elevated (180/110 and higher), you probably won’t feel any warning signs. Sustained blood pressure readings of 200/140 often produce severe headaches, dizziness and nausea.

Dentists understand that while most of their patients visit them at least twice a year for checkups and often times more frequently for dental cleaning, the same patients may not visit their family doctor for several years (most people don’t go to their doctor unless they are sick or feel abnormal). This means dentists will always have better access to checking a patient’s important health markers like blood pressure, blood glucose level and heart functioning than medical doctors.
WHY TRACKING BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS IS VITAL TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Called the “silent killer” for obvious reasons, untreated high blood pressure will eventually lead to heart attack, stroke and/or kidney failure. Consequently, more dentists are starting to take their patients’ blood pressure before cleanings or dental procedures as part of a comprehensive, long-term health plan.

If your dentist discovers your blood pressure is too high, he will advise you to seek additional medical treatment from your family physician. Medications to control high blood pressure dilate blood vessels so that blood flows more freely throughout the body to lower and stabilize blood pressure.
BENEFITS OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART MONITORING AT THE DENTIST’S
The dental anesthetics affect each patient differently, depending on their age and current state of health. Patients who receive anesthesia may bleed more during an extraction, especially if they are taking blood pressure medication or they have high blood pressure that is uncontrolled. The local anesthetics contain epinephrine, a hormone similar to adrenaline that helps prolong numbing of the gums. And in addition to these important things we have the larger issue at hand which is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Sleep Breathing Disorder (SBD). Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure and High Blood Pressure are the most common symptom in adults for this deadly disease. In essence your dentist could save your life by taking your blood pressure.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS AND ORAL HEALTH
Some high blood pressure medications interrupt normal saliva flow and cause a chronic dry mouth. Dry mouth is responsible for halitosis, an increase in mouth lesions (canker sores) and oral fungal infections. Dry mouth also encourages growth of anaerobic bacteria, the primary cause of cavities and gum disease. We know the medication is imperative to your health and if you take medications for high blood pressure, the dentist or hygienist may recommend more preventive and frequent maintenance appointments to ensure that you’re in good oral and physical health. ( a few extra dollars per year will save you thousands of dollars in the future)
MAKE SURE YOUR DENTIST IS ALL ABOUT YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE!
By screening your blood pressure and monitoring your heart rate, your dentist is taking the measures to ensure your safety and comfort at the dentist office and at home.
Q. how can i have cavity-free dental checkups?
USE THESE SWEETS ONLY IN MODERATION (LESS THAN EVERY DAY):
Soda Pop
Sugared Drinks
Coffee Drinks with syrups or mocha added
Sports Drinks
Chewing Gum
Breath Mints & Fresheners
Cough Drops
Hard Candy
Sticky Candy
Tums or other chewable antacids
Chewable Vitamin C
Chewable Aspirin
Sugar-free alternatives, which are safe for your teeth*, are available for all of these.
Keep teeth free of bacteria by brushing 2 to 4 times every day, and flossing every day. Use home fluoride treatment daily.
Q. WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK WHEN CONSIDERING DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Before signing on for implant dentistry, you should absolutely feel 100% comfortable with your implant dentist and you should know what to expect from your implant procedure. Here are some questions to help you prepare for implants.
about your implant dentist
  • What kind of training do you have as an implant dentist?
  • How many years of experience do you have in implant dentistry?
  • Are you a member of any professional organizations?
  • What is the success rate of your dental implants?
ABOUT THE PROCEDURE
  • What do I need to do to prepare for my surgery?
  • Are there any foods, medications, supplements, or other substances I need to avoid before my surgery? If so, for how long?
  • How long will the procedure take?
  • What kind of anesthesia will you use?
  • Will I need someone to drive me home?
  • Will I have to stay in the facility overnight?
  • Will the procedure be painful?
  • What are the possible complications of dental implant surgery?
  • What can I do to reduce the risk of complications?
  • What will my implant surgery cost?
  • What does that cost include?
  • Are there other costs I need to know about?
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS AND ORAL HEALTH
  • What will my recovery be like?
  • How do I recognize a problem or complication?
  • Will I need to take time off of work or refrain from any activities after dental implant surgery?
  • Do I need to eat special foods or avoid certain foods during my recovery?
  • Are there any medications, supplements, or other substances I should avoid after my surgery? If so, for how long?
  • Are there any medications or supplements that might aid in my recovery?
  • Do I need to care for my mouth in any special way after my implant surgery?
  • How long will it be before I experience the full results of my dental implant?
  • Will I need to come in for follow-up appointments?
  • If I have a problem such as pain or infection and have to come in for treatment, will I be charged extra?
  • How long will my dental implant last?
Your dentist should always be happy to answer any of your questions concerning your dental implant needs. You should get answers that will allow you to understand so that you feel confident, fully informed, and prepared for your implant surgery needs. Dr. Tommy Spears and Dr. Jake Goza offer complimentary initial consultations to discuss your questions and dental goals.

Please contact our Maryville implant dentists today to schedule your initial consultation with your Maryville dentists at Crestview Dental Care.
Q. HOW DOES PREGNANCY AND YOUR ORAL HEALTH RELATE?
Pregnancy is a very special time. You’ll want to think about taking good care of yourself and getting your baby’s life off to a healthy start. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, and good oral health habits not only help prevent oral problems during pregnancy, but they also affect the health of your unborn child. If you plan on becoming pregnant or are expecting, Crestview Dental Care wants to make sure you are prepared with a plan to care for your teeth and gums.
IS IT SAFE TO GET A DENTAL X-RAY WHILE PREGNANT?
An X-ray may be needed for dental treatment or a dental emergency that can’t wait until after the baby is born. Untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low. However, every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure. A leaded apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and should be used when any dental radiograph is taken. A leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation and should be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children. Dental radiographs are not contraindicated if one is trying to become pregnant or is breastfeeding. At Crestview Dental Care, we’re able to limit radiation exposure thanks to our state-of-the-art digital radiography system, which takes images that are clearer and more precise while emitting a fraction of the radiation experienced when using traditional X-ray technology.
HOW DOES PREGNANCY AFFECT MY GUMS?
During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels rise considerably. Gingivitis, especially common during the second through the eighth months of pregnancy, may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush. This sensitivity is an exaggerated response to plaque and is caused by an increased level of progesterone in your system. Your Knoxville dentists at Crestview Dental Care may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester or early third trimester to help you avoid problems. In fact, once you know you’re pregnant, it’s generally a good idea to schedule a dental cleaning for as soon as possible—even if it’s been less than six months—if only because it can be uncomfortable to sit in the dental chair for an extended period of time in the third trimester.
WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY MOUTH HEALTHY DURING PREGNANCY?
To help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Be sure to clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners like floss. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you how to brush and floss correctly. When choosing oral care products, look for those that display the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.

If you are expecting, Crestview Dental Care wants all the best as you welcome this new addition to your family. Your bundle of joy shouldn’t compromise your oral health, though. To learn more about how we can protect your dental health during pregnancy, give us a call at (865) 982-1700 if you live in the areas of Knoxville and Maryville, Tennessee.
Q. HOW DOES SMOKING AFFECT YOUR ORAL HEALTH?
Researchers have found that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products:
  • Oral cancer
  • Bad breath
  • Stained teeth
  • Increased build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth
  • Tooth loss
  • Increased loss of bone within the jaw
  • Loss of taste
  • Delayed healing process following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment or oral surgery
  • Less success with periodontal treatment
  • Less success with dental implants
  • Gum recession
  • Mouth sores
  • Facial wrinkling
KICK THE HABIT
Regardless of how long you have used tobacco products, quitting now can greatly reduce serious risks to your health. Eleven years after quitting, former smokers’ likelihood of having periodontal (gum) disease was not significantly different from people who never smoked. Even reducing the amount you smoke appears to help. One study found that smokers who reduced their smoking habit to less than half a pack a day had only three times the risk of developing periodontal disease compared with nonsmokers, which was significantly lower than the six times higher risk seen in those who smoked more than a pack and a half per day. Another study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that the mouth lesion leukoplakia completely resolved within 6 weeks of quitting in 97.5% of patients with these lesions who used smokeless tobacco products.
Q. WHY DO WE TALK ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S SLEEP AT THE DENTIST?
Q. DO YOU TREAT BAD BREATH?
Q. why does the dentist take my blood pressure?
Q. how can i have cavity-free dental checkups?
Q. WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK WHEN CONSIDERING DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Q. HOW DOES PREGNANCY AND YOUR ORAL HEALTH RELATE?
Q. HOW DOES SMOKING AFFECT YOUR ORAL HEALTH?

Our Technology

Operating at the forefront of dentistry, the family dentists in Maryville at Tennessee Orofacial Myology employ cutting-edge technology that enhances the patient’s experience, provides better results, and saves patients time spent in the dental chair.
digital photography
Using digital photography is a great addition to our patient cases for fabricating restorations, developing treatment plans, and for use in orthodontic cases. This technology also is used for before and after photographs to showcase patients’ results
DIGITAL X-RAYS
Digital x-rays allow the dentist to be able to diagnose and treat areas below the gum line including the jawbone, implant placement, dental extractions, root canals, and more. They are much more comfortable for patients than traditional methods, and the image is generated on a computer screen and is immediately ready for viewing.
CO2 LIGHT SCALPEL LASER
The CO2 Light Scalpel evaporates soft tissue as it works, instead of having to cut it away. Surgery with the CO2 Light Scalpel laser means less bleeding, shorter downtime, and a more comfortable procedure and recovery for patients. Plus, its precision is unparalleled even to the most skilled dentist using a scalpel
BIO-PACK
This system comes complete with a computerized mandibular scanner, electromyography that emits pulses to the jaw muscles to stimulate relaxation, and Electrosonography ideal for analyzing jaw movements,and sounds, is perfect for diagnosing and treating TMJ or TMD
3SHAPE TRIOS
The 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner allows us to generate 3D images of your teeth and inside of your mouth, which is ideal for developing treatment plans for restorations such as crowns, veneers, dental implants, and dentures. The 3D images can immediately be sent to our dental laboratory partner to begin work right away on your dental restoration.
CBCT
Our newest X-ray technology is the Cone Beam Computed Tomography or CBCT, which is used to generate precise 3-D that are much clearer than what we get from using a traditional X-ray machine. By using this advanced technology, we can customize the device to capture a specific view of a patient’s jaw, head, neck, or facial structure.
1850 Crest Rd
Maryville, TN 37804
Entrance in lower parking lot
call (865) 344-5885
© 2023 tennessee orofacial myology | website by: forty-second street, inc.
| Privacy Policy