Sleep apnea and TMJ disorder are two conditions that an oral health professional can diagnose and treat. But how do you know if you suffer from either problem? Dr. Rindfleisch and the team at Bronxville Dental want all of our patients to know what sleep apnea and TMJ disorder is and to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms so they can seek treatment.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which a person stops breathing and starts again. This process may repeat itself over the course of your slumber. Perhaps you snore loudly or feel tired despite a full night of sleep. If this describes you, you might have sleep apnea.
Known as temporomandibular joint disorder, TMJ is a condition in which your jaw muscles and nerves on either side of your face cause you pain. This pain could be present in your neck, head, face, or jaw. The jaw joints on either side of your head connect your lower jawbone to the skull and are crucial for movements that allow us to chew and speak.
In order to diagnose sleep apnea, Dr. Rindfleish will examine your mouth to check for potential obstructions such as excess tissues that could be interfering with your airway. He may be able to diagnose you fairly quickly. However, he may also refer you to a sleep specialist for tests that include monitoring you while you sleep.
To diagnose TMJ, Dr. Rindfleisch will perform a complete dental checkup that includes observing the movement of your jaw, x-rays, a CBCT scan to get a 3D image, and even an MRI if necessary. Scheduling a thorough check-up is the first step to treating sleep apnea and TMJ.
For sleep apnea, there is a variety of appliances and therapies patients can try. For instance, a CPAP machine can deliver air pressure through a mask while you sleep. Oral devices can keep your throat open during sleep and are available at Bronxville Dental. You may have to try multiple devices to find one that works best for you. You may have an underlying condition that is causing your sleep apnea. Treating underlying conditions could resolve it.
In addition, you may need surgery to remove excess tissues that are obstructing your airway. This includes tonsils and adenoids. It could also mean repositioning your jaw.
Whether your TMJ is mild or severe, there are several treatment options available. Moist heat or cold packs can relieve pain and swelling. Eating a softer diet will take pressure off your jaw. Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications are also available and effective to relieve pain and inflammation. Wearing a nightguard will protect your teeth against grinding and protect your bite. You may also need dental treatments such as braces, bridges, or crowns to correct jaw and teeth misalignments.
Other treatments for TMJ include electrical nerve stimulation, trigger-point injections, radio wave therapy, and surgery.
Yes! Dr. Rindfleisch is dedicated to helping his patients. Bronxville Dental will do everything we can to diagnose your problem and provide quality treatment. To learn more or to make an appointment, call our office at 914-506-4952 today!