TMJ Disorder & Sleep Apnea Management in Ottawa
TMJ Disorder (or TMD) is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects the muscles of mastication or temporomandibular joints or both. It can cause symptoms like jaw pain, headaches and ringing in the ears. If left untreated, this condition can cause further issues such as chronic pain, bone loss, gum tissue changes and loose teeth.
Sleep apnea is a medically diagnosed condition where the soft tissue at the back of the throat completely blocks the airway while sleeping and causes you to momentarily stop breathing. Sleep apnea can cause headaches, and a feeling of exhaustion despite sleeping all night. It can also contribute to other serious health issues.
At Say Cheese Dentistry, we provide treatment for craniofacial pain (TMJ, headaches, facial pain) and sleep management without surgery. We are focussed on improving the quality of life for children and adults suffering from craniofacial pain and sleep apnea and will work with you to create a custom treatment plan.
Signs You May Require Treatment
- Waking up with a sore jaw
- Waking up with unexplained head pain
- Griding your teeth while you sleep
- Suddenly waking up a night, sometimes multiple times throughout the night
- Daily or routine headaches or ear pain
- Routine bed wetting while sleeping
- Grinding teeth caused by Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD)
- Feeling tired or unrested after a full night's sleep
- Loud snoring
- Inability to concentrate during the day
Treatment for TMJ Disorder (TMD)
Treatment may include wearing a mouth guard for sleep to prevent clenching and grinding.
Your dentist may also recommend a variety of treatments such as physiotherapy, Botox or SphenoCath, that encourage the face and jaw muscles to relax.
Management of Sleep Apnea
In addition to CPAP therapy, management of symptoms of sleep apnea can be done using dental appliances such as SomnoMed or SomnoDent.
Dental appliances can help by positioning your lower jaw further forward to pull your tongue away from the throat and the soft palate, to open your airway. Lifestyle solutions, such as weight loss, exercise and side-sleeping, can also help you achieve better breathing and more restful sleep.
Ottawa TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy Clinic
Dr. Elsaraj offers the services of the Ottawa TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy Clinic at Say Cheese Dentistry. To learn more about the services offered please contact us.
If you are a dentist looking to refer a patient to the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Clinic, please click on the referral link below.