A Look At Sleep Apnea, Migraines And Tmj And How Your Dentist Can Help

The field of dentistry encompasses a wide array of conditions and procedures

. From cleanings and whitening to implants and veneers, there are a number of treatments available to keep your teeth healthy and looking their best. Some dentists are trained to provide services that extend beyond the traditional care of your teeth and gums, however. And if you suffer from migraines, sleep disorders or temporomandibular disorder, your dentist in Omaha can help.

Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disruption of breathing while sleeping, a sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Episodes of choking or gasping for air can occur hundreds of times during a night, and the individual may have no recollection of struggling for air come morning. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include excessive daytime drowsiness, loud snoring and abrupt awakening during the night accompanied by the shortness of breath.

For mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances may be the best treatment. These dental devices fit inside the patient's mouth, much like a mouth guard or orthodontic appliance, opening the airway by bringing the lower jaw or tongue forward during sleep. For severe cases, a patient may benefit from a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask during sleep- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). With CPAP, the air pressure is greater than that of the surrounding air, keeping the upper airway passages open and preventing snoring and disruptions in breathing throughout the night.

Neuromuscular Dentistry for TMJ and Migraines

Neuromuscular dentistry is different from general dentistry in that it focuses on the muscles and joints surrounding the jaw. The main focus being the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. This important joint allows your upper and lower jaw to open and close, which facilitates chewing and speaking. When the TMJ is not aligned properly, it can place stress on other joints and muscles, resulting in neck, face and shoulder pain. Any disorders associated with the TMJ are called Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD).

Patients suffering from TMD often experience jaw and facial pain, a misaligned bite and a jaw that locks upon opening it. Severe migraines are one of the most common and debilitating symptoms. Your neuromuscular dentist in Omaha can put the TMJ back into alignment and place the jaw back into its optimal position, alleviating the tension headaches and other symptoms that accompany TMJ problems.

If you are suffering from chronic headaches, TMD, or obstructive sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation. Your Omaha dentist is trained to treat neuromuscular and sleep disorders, and can help determine the best treatment for your needs so that you can enjoy a quiet night's sleep and put an end to your TMJ symptoms once and for all.

by: Gen Wright

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