Understanding obstructive sleep apnea and TMJ therapy solutions
At Dynamic Dental, Drs. Ricardo Andrade and Denisse Montalvo of Sacramento, California, are dedicated to providing comprehensive oral health care for their patients. They understand that many individuals struggle with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and TMJ disorders, which can have a significant impact on one’s personal life and quality of life. Let’s discuss these conditions in detail and explore the various treatment options available at Dynamic Dental.
How does obstructive sleep apnea impact an individual’s sleep cycle, and what causes it?
Obstructive sleep apnea is often referred to as a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. It typically occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax when sleeping, causing the airway to become blocked. This results in pauses in breathing, known as apneas, which might last from a few seconds to a minute or longer. These pauses can happen multiple times each hour, disrupting the sleep cycle and preventing individuals from reaching deep, restful sleep.
What are the most commonly seen symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
The most common symptoms of OSA typically include chronic and loud snoring, choking, or gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, and irritability.
What is TMJ?
Alternatively, TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the jaw and surrounding muscles. It is often caused by stress, grinding teeth, misaligned bite, arthritis, or injury to the jaw joint.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
Symptoms of TMJ, or even TMD (temporomandibular disorder, may include pain in the jaw joint, popping or clicking noises when opening or closing the mouth, problems effectively chewing or biting down, and tension headaches.
How are these conditions treated?
While obstructive sleep apnea and TMJ disorders may seem like separate issues, they are closely connected. Drs. Andrade and Montalvo may suggest that patients get a definitive diagnosis of their condition before seeking treatment. For some, oral appliance therapy can work for both obstructive sleep apnea and TMJ. This involves the use of a custom-made oral device that is worn in one’s mouth while sleeping. It works by keeping the airway open and preventing the jaw from clenching or grinding during sleep, reducing symptoms of both conditions. Most of our patients find oral appliance therapy easier to use than other treatments, such as the CPAP device for obstructive sleep apnea patients, which tend to be cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and uncomfortable to wear throughout the night.
What treatment is best for my condition?
We invite patients to learn about their conditions first before seeking treatments. If you are in the Sacramento, California, area and want to speak to Drs. Ricardo Andrade and Denisse Montalvo, regarding your treatment options, call (916) 256-2500 to request an appointment.