Whether you are currently suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or sleep apnea, we can help! Sleep is a necessary function of Life, as it gives your body an opportunity to recuperate from stress and to recharge for the coming day. When you can’t sleep, or if your sleep is not the quality rest you need, it can throw off your whole day, and it may even be dangerous, as when you drive while not fully rested! Two major causes of sleeplessness and restless sleep are TMJ disorder and sleep apnea. TMJ can cause pain that makes it difficult to sleep, and sleep apnea indicates that your breathing is compromised, which can have negative effects.
Our team at North Macon Dental Associates understands that many TMJ disorder symptoms can be painful and sometimes debilitating. We offer customized treatment plans in Macon, GA to help you restore balance to your day, your smile, and your overall health. In some cases our dentists may work with specialists to ensure you receive the treatment and relief you need. Some common TMJ treatment solutions include the following:
In order to avoid teeth grinding and clenching we may recommend a custom-made mouthguard or splint. These are often worn at night but can also be made for the daytime to protect your teeth whenever you clench or grind them. Similar to a sports guard, these oral appliances are made to form a barrier between your top and bottom teeth. Made specifically for you, they will fit snuggly over your teeth. Each oral appliance is made to protect your teeth while also helping your jaw move into a more relaxed position.
If your teeth are misaligned and affecting your bite, you have malocclusion. This can cause stress on your TM joints as your teeth try to find a way to come together properly. Orthodontics can be used to straighten your teeth and as a result your bite! This helps reduce or eliminate bruxism as well as the jaw pain associated with it.
As mentioned above, having malocclusion or a misaligned bite can cause undue stress on your jaw joints. Finding occlusal equilibrium can sometimes be as easy as altering a few tooth surfaces. We’ll help your teeth come together harmoniously in its rested state with an occlusal adjustment. By strategically removing a small amount of tooth enamel in one or more areas of your mouth we can reduce jaw pain and the grinding and clenching that’s causing it.
Similar to an appliance you might use for sports, mouthguards can be used to control sleep apnea. Your custom-fit mouthguard will fit comfortably over one or both arches of your teeth and once in place, it will shift and hold your jaw slightly forward, preventing soft tissues from blocking your airway, and enabling you to breathe freely throughout the night.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a type of therapy that uses a specially designed unit to prevent you from snoring during sleep. A CPAP unit includes a face mask attached to a hose that delivers a steady flow of air all night long through your mouth, your nose or both. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a type of therapy that uses a specially designed unit to prevent you from snoring during sleep. A CPAP unit includes a face mask attached to a hose that delivers a steady flow of air all night long through your mouth, your nose or both.
For those with advanced sleep apnea, a few surgical options may offer the most transformative results. These options may involve removing small portions of the soft tissues that are collapsing onto your airway, or making adjustments to your jawbone. We’ll recommend these more conservative solutions, but in severe cases, we’ll encourage you to consider surgery, which can only be performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.
I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.
