Dr Michael Rogers - TMJ and Sleep Blog

Don't Go Under The Knife - Read This First !

2011-04-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Non Surgical TMJ – the Solution!

Have you ever wondered what that pain around your jaw and mouth could be? Maybe it is a cavity? Or perhaps it is something a little bit more involved, such as TMJ. While you may not have heard about this disorder, it is actually fairly common in fact, it is estimated that approximately 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ – these are substantial numbers.

While, of course, TMJ is not life threatening, the pain and symptoms associated with it can certainly cause a high degree of discomfort, making your regular, everyday movements more challenging and daunting.

However, there is some good news! You no longer have to sit back and simply “live” with the pain. In fact, thanks to advancements in the dental profession, if you are diagnosed with TMJ, your dentist can recommend a removable dental appliance that can help alleviate many of the issues you have been suffering through, and, the entire process is entirely non surgical.

This simple to use and extremely comfortable oral appliance will help with:

• Being unable to open the mouth comfortably

• The pain you may be suffering around your neck, back and shoulder area

• That popping sound that comes from your jaw

• Headaches

Unfortunately, TMJ is often misdiagnosed or completely ignored because the symptoms associated with it are so general. If you feel you may suffer from TMJ and are searching for non-surgical relief from headaches, neck, back and jaw pain, contact Fairlington Dental for a consultation today.

Is There A Monster In Your Closet?

2011-03-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

We live in a stressful time and, unfortunately, for many people, this translates into sleeping problems. It is actually quite amazing to see just how many factors can influence our sleep patterns and, nowhere is this more obvious, than when we look at how our overall health truly affects our sleep. The good news is that, in many cases, these sleep disruptions can be addressed through a combination of stress reduction, healthier eating habits, more exercise and some well earned “downtime”.

Unfortunately, not everyone can be so lucky – as it is currently estimated that approximately 18 million people in the US, both female and male, suffer from a more serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea, which can be briefly defined as a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep, which usually repeats in a cycle.

A variety of causes have been linked to this serious disorder, including obesity and age. For the most part, CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure devices were first thought to be the solution by---essentially blowing air down the breathing passage (throat) at night to keep it from collapsing, thereby helping the patient get a better night’s sleep.

Unfortunately, however, these CPAP machines are incredibly bulky, annoying and uncomfortable and, in some cases, can feel seriously claustrophobic. Imagine putting a “mask” over your face, every night, as you lay down to sleep – not a pleasant feeling! Many patients increase their risks of further health related problems and simply do not use their CPAP machine. It's often found collecting dust somewhere.

Fortunately, the dental professionals have come to the rescue – by designing a small dental appliance that can easily be inserted directly into the mouth of the patient, right before bedtime. This device is comfortable, odorless and tasteless and can be, in many cases, just as effective as any bulky CPAP equipment – effectively reducing the symptoms and giving the patient the opportunity of enjoying a good night sleep, without having to worry about any clumsy CPAP mask “poking” you in the eye.

Of course, only your medical professionals can truly evaluate your situation – as everyone is different. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are tired of using the CPAP device, then you will definitely want to discuss the possibility of going the “dental appliance” route! Many patients have selected this option and wondered why they didn't try this first! Talk to your doctor or dentist today!

Finally A Solution From Pain

2010-06-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what that pain around your jaw and mouth could be? Maybe it is a cavity? Or perhaps it is something a little bit more involved, such as TMJ. While you may not have heard about this disorder, it is actually fairly common in fact, it is estimated that approximately 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ – these are substantial numbers.

While TMJ is not life threatening, the pain and symptoms associated with it can certainly cause a high degree of discomfort, making your regular, everyday movements more challenging and daunting.

However, there is some good news! You no longer have to sit back and simply “live” with the pain. In fact, thanks to advancements in the dental profession, if you are diagnosed with TMJ, your dentist can recommend a removable dental appliance that can help alleviate many of the issues you have been suffering through, and, the entire process is entirely non surgical.

This simple to use and extremely comfortable oral appliance will help with:

• Being unable to open the mouth comfortably

• The pain you may be suffering around your neck, back and shoulder area

• That popping sound that comes from your jaw

• Headaches

Unfortunately, TMJ is often misdiagnosed or completely ignored because the symptoms associated with it are so general. If you feel you may suffer from TMJ and are searching for relief from headaches, neck, back and jaw pain, contact a TMJ dentist for a consultation today.

Not Wearing Your CPAP? There Is A Comfortable Alternative!

2010-04-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

If you have been diagnosed with a sleeping disorder such as sleep apnea, you might have spent quite a lot of time reading up on the subject – and, perhaps, finding yourself more than a little intimidated at the CPAP mask that you may need to use.

What might come as a bit of a shock, however, is that the dental profession has been studying sleep related problems for many, many years and believe that much of the problems, including those of snoring can be substantially reduced by the use of an incredibly simple, but extremely comfortable AND effective dental appliance. While many studies have cited some incredibly complicated findings, the bottom line is that wearing dental appliance, at night, while you sleep, can prevent vibrations as well as the collapse of the upper airway – two issues that have been found to contribute greatly to sleeping disorders.

This appliance is only used during sleep and can easily be removed and inserted when necessary, which can make having a comfortable night’s sleep entirely possible!

As both the medical and dental communities continue to look for safe, comfortable and effective ways of dealing with sleep disorders, you may very well want to take the time to discuss your options with your dentist – no more snoring! Imagine the possibilities.

For additional information, visit our website at http://www.tmjandsleeparlingtonva.com/

Sleep Apnea and Snoring Do Not Have To Be A Problem

2010-04-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

How many times have you commented on how tired you are when you wake up in the morning? Unfortunately, stress and other related issues make having a good night’s sleep, for some of us, quite a challenge. However, for others, getting the sleep they need is actually associated with a very real medical problem called sleep apnea and, as a matter of fact, people who snore extensively and regularly have also been singled out as having serious problems getting a healthy night’s sleep. Additionally, of course, anyone who sleeps next to a constant “snorer” is also subject to poor sleeping habits!

While CPAP has been designed specifically to treat people with sleep apnea, there have been many negative side effects associated with this treatment – mainly when it comes to the comfort level and practicality of the treatment. Imagine having to sleep with a hard mask over your face – while you may be breathing easier, you are certainly not enjoying a comfortable night – as this mask makes moving around quite the challenge.

Fortunately, there is an alternative that has been developed, thanks to a dental community, who believes that these respiratory issues can easily be addressed by a simple and highly effective oral appliance that is popped into the mouth just before going to bed. While you are sleeping this clever little device makes sure that all your air passages are appropriately open and that you get the air you need. Actually, it is quite amazing just how different this little device is compared to that large and uncomfortable night mask! Imagine being able to get up in the morning refreshed and without any muscle aches associated with restricted sleep. Of course, we won’t even mention the health benefits a good night’s sleep will bring both to you and your partner and sleeping can, once again, be a joy!

So, if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, there is reason for optimism – discuss your situation with a qualified dentist and get the information and help you need – you will be amazed at the difference a good night’s sleep can make.

Losing Sleep Over Snoring? CPAP Alternatives Are Here!

2010-03-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

For the many sufferers of sleep apnea, the solution has always been some sort of oral appliance, a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, machine, or a combination of both. However, some people are CPAP intolerant which can severely limit the treatment options for sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a severe health concern for those who suffer from it. It reduces healthy sleep resulting in less restful sleep, consistent daytime sleepiness, and can actually increase the risk of suffering from strokes and heart attacks, not just decrease the quality of life for the sufferers. Sleep apnea is generally defined as when a person who is asleep quits breathing for periods of time approximately ten seconds long. This person will then wake just long enough to gasp for air and go back to sleep. This interrupted sleep is what causes the health problems, far more than the apnea itself.

Generally, the most often used, and is still considered the best treatment that is non-surgical for sleep apnea is the CPAP machine. This machine delivers air to the tissues that are responsible for the apnea either through a facemask or through a nasal mask. This air is pressurized and keeps the airways unobstructed. A person who is CPAP intolerant will have problems with this and be unable to feel comfortable either due to the air pressure that holds the tissues open or even the masks.

Occasionally, in the past, an oral appliance was also used with a CPAP to help home the tissues open. This has only been used in conjunction until relatively recently. An oral appliance has been approved by the FDA for sleep apnea, this makes only three approved treatments for sleep apnea that do not involve surgery.

Whether you use a CPAP machine, an oral appliance, or a combination of both, it is only going to help if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. If that is the form of sleep apnea that you have, you can find comfortable ways to deal with it without having to go the route of surgery.

A good dentist with experience in OSA can assist with a screening and finding a sleep lab for you. In fact, there are now even ways to record breathing problems while sleeping from your home if you are a good candidate. Your dentist, who is trained in Dental Sleep Medicine, can help fit you with an oral appliance which is custom made for each patient and will keep the airways open for a good night’s sleep.

Don’t wake up every morning feeling as though you haven’t slept. If you even suspect that you have sleep apnea, find a professional to help you pin down the cause and find a solution that fits you.

The Relationship Between TMJ and Headaches

2010-03-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

TMJ disorders, otherwise known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, include the joint of the jaw and the muscles that surround it. These disorders can often be very painful and may include symptoms that mimic other conditions. These may include neck and shoulder pain and headaches and often make it difficult to yawn, eat, or swallow. It is not unusual for people to go to their medical doctor due to this pain and be tested for many different things such as tumors or herniated discs, only to find there is nothing wrong in those areas. This can become quite expensive after the use of MRI’s or CT-Scans. TMJ and headaches are extremely common and often is a relatively easy thing to treat after diagnosis from a dental expert.

Many times, people that have TMJ will go years with severe headaches that doctors can find no reason for. It is often stumbled upon during a dental exam, or only after a patient learns what the symptoms are and proceeds to make an appointment with a dental practitioner that specializes in TMJ and headaches. Some of the symptoms may be a clicking or popping sound in the jaw when the jaw is fully opened, or even the inability to open the jaw completely. For many people this creates no pain or is not evident, but it may be noticed that when opening the jaw completely, the jaw will “slip” to the side during the movement.

One of the most powerful nerves in the body, the trigeminal nerve, is responsible for the sensations in your face, jaws, and sinuses. It is also directly related to the nerves that control sensation to the head, neck and throat. When you think about it, that is an enormous area for these nerves to be responsible for. These nerves have several fingers, or branches, that go through the temporomandibular joint. Should the nerves become damaged, and you can experience the results of TMJ and headaches.

There have been many treatments used over the years in order to treat TMJ and headaches, including surgeries; most of these do not work as successfully as hoped. Treatment for TMJ and headaches is done on a per patient basis, as the findings of tests are going to vary. One of the most popular, and one that seems to work the best is the wearing of two different appliances, one during the day and one at night. This is a far less invasive treatment approach that seems to work very well in most people that suffer from TMJ and headaches.

Even if you don’t remember any accident that may have caused injury to the jaw area, if you are suffering from migraines and doctors have found no true cause, pay attention to the other signs of TMJ, but don’t rely on them. Make an appointment with a dental professional that specializes in TMJ disorders and learn if they can help reduce your pain or eliminate it altogether.