Dr. Larry Pribyl
Dr. Pribyl has been serving patients in private practice for more than 45 years. He focuses on head, neck, and facial pain, as well as dental sleep medicine. His special interest lies in helping patients manage conditions such as TMJ disorders, snoring, and sleep apnea through conservative, noninvasive treatment strategies.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pribyl has completed hundreds of hours of post-graduate continuing education, studying under leaders in craniofacial pain and dental sleep medicine. He brings this depth of training into every evaluation and treatment plan, combining advanced diagnostic tools with compassionate, individualized care.
At his Lee’s Summit, MO office, Dr. Pribyl provides comprehensive assessments for TMJ disorders and sleep-disordered breathing. He uses state-of-the-art diagnostic technology—including 3D CT scanning, functional sonography, and neuromuscular evaluation with the Myotronics K7—to evaluate jaw joint position, muscle activity, and airway volume. This data-driven approach helps him design custom oral appliance therapy plans for patients with sleep apnea, ensuring each appliance is precisely fitted and objectively monitored for effectiveness.
Dr. Pribyl’s treatment philosophy emphasizes conservative care and often involves collaboration with a trusted network of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, chiropractors, and ENTs. This multidisciplinary approach allows patients to receive truly comprehensive care for long-term relief and improved overall health.
In recent years, Dr. Pribyl has expanded his focus to include pediatric airway development. He works with children to improve airway size and function to promote better breathing and healthier facial growth, offering early intervention strategies that may prevent more complex issues later in life.
At the heart of Dr. Pribyl’s practice is a commitment to providing the highest quality care in a supportive, patient-centered environment. His experienced and friendly team prioritizes comfort, communication, and individualized service, treating every patient like family.
Credentials and Professional Memberships
In July 2012, Dr. Pribyl achieved his Masters of Excellence in TMD, a distinction awarded after completing over 1,000 hours of continuing education and successfully treating more than 500 patients with temporomandibular disorders.
Dr. Pribyl is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including:
- Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Academy of Laser Dentistry
- ALF Interface Academy
- American Headache Society
- International Association of Orofacial Myology
- Academy of Osseointegration
- American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
- International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics
- Missouri Dental Association
- Senior Instructor for the International Association of Orthodontics
- American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry
- American Academy of Ozonotherapy
- Academy of Airway & Gnathologic Orthopedics
- Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Academy of Laser Dentistry
- ALF Interface Academy
- American Headache Society
- International Association of Orofacial Myology
- Academy of Osseointegration
- American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
- International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics
- Missouri Dental Association
- Senior Instructor for the International Association of Orthodontics
- American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry
- American Academy of Ozonotherapy
- Academy of Airway & Gnathologic Orthopedics
Dr. Jim Kleoppel
Dr. Jim Kleoppel started working for Dr. Larry Pribyl as a lab technician. Having graduated from the UMKC School of Dentistry, he is honored to serve you as a dentist. Dr. Jim shares Dr. Pribyl’s interest in providing care for TMD, sleep apnea, and craniofacial pain. Dr. Jim also provides general dentistry care with a biological approach. Dr. Jim and the entire office staff utilize a conservative treatment approach utilizing various diagnostic tools to design a treatment plan catered to your needs.
Dr. Jim has a wife, Emilie, and three wonderful children. He enjoys golf, fishing, and spending time with his family in his spare time. He is glad to be an associate of Dr. Pribyl’s and looks forward to working with you and addressing your dental and craniofacial needs.
Dr. Kleoppel’s Memberships
Dr. Jim is a member of the following organizations:
- American Dental Association
- AGD (Academy of General Dentistry)
- American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
- Missouri Dental Association
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
- International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
- International Association of Orthodontics
How to Find a Reputable Sleep Dentist or TMJ Dentist in Lee’s Summit
If you’re looking for a reputable sleep dentist or TMJ dentist in Lee’s Summit, here are a few steps you can take.
- Ask for recommendations: Your doctor may not know much about TMJ, but they likely know a little about TMJ dentists. The sleep doctor you’re working with for CPAP may also know sleep dentists. These doctors may be able to recommend dentists who have helped their patients. Also ask friends and family if you know any who have dealt with these issues before.
- Go online: If you have some recommendations, start by checking out the websites of those dentists. If you don’t have personal recommendations, you can use search engines to find possible dentists. Assess the credentials of each dentist you’re considering, including:
- Years of experience treating TMJ and sleep apnea
- Certifications in TMJ and sleep apnea treatment
- Membership in professional associations related to these disorders
- Schedule consultations: Once you’ve got three potential dentists, contact them to schedule consultations. You want to find someone you trust for their professionalism and expertise and someone you feel comfortable working with.
Get TMJ or Sleep Apnea Treatment in Lee’s Summit
If you are looking for knowledgeable, experienced dentists in Lee’s Summit who can treat your TMJ or sleep apnea, Dr. Larry Pribyl and Dr. Jim Kleoppel are ready to help.
Please call (816) 795-1000 or use our online form today to request an appointment at the Center for TMJ & Sleep Apnea in Lee’s Summit.
