TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. When a collection of symptoms that cause discomfort occur, a condition known as TMD, or temporomandibular dysfunction, develops.
Symptoms of TMD can include, but are not limited to, facial muscle pain or discomfort, clicking of the jaw joint(s), frequent headaches, earaches, dizziness, difficulty opening or chewing, pain inside the jaw joint, and broken or cracked teeth.
Symptoms can be related to a mis-aligned bite, a jaw alignment problem, a parafunctional habit like clenching of the teeth and/or grinding, an airway problem, stress, or a combination of factors.
Treatment of TMD can often be treated with a dental splint or orthotic appliance. Depending on symptoms, the splint may be made to be worn at night to protect your teeth from clenching and/or grinding or it may need to be worn both day and night to help re-align the muscles and joints. Treatment is tailored specifically to your symptoms and needs. Once you are stabilized and feeling good, a second phase of treatment may be needed which may include, but is not limited to, a bite adjustment, orthodontics, restorations, or in more extreme cases, jaw surgery.
You don’t have to live with TMD pain!
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that is caused when your breathing is interrupted (you stop breathing) when you sleep. The two types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. If your sleep apnea is left untreated, you may stop breathing many times during the night, which can limit the amount of oxygen that can reach your brain and other vital organs of your body. Even mild sleep apnea can be dangerous to your health and should be treated.
Symptoms of sleep apnea can include, but are not limited to, snoring, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, forgetfulness or “brain fog,” and waking with a very dry mouth/sore throat.
Sleep apnea can only be diagnosed by medical doctors, however, once sleep apnea has been diagnosed, oral appliance therapy with your dentist may be an option for you. The oral appliance is specifically designed to support your jaw in a position that helps maintain an open airway while sleeping.
If you experience any of these symptoms, we are here and ready to discuss treatment options with you. Don’t put off your health! Call for an appointment today!
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