Sleep Apnea
During treatment of our Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) patients, we noticed a reoccurring theme. Some patients were not healing quickly or not healing at all, upon further discussion of their medical histories several symptoms reoccurred: hypertension, heart attacks, fibromyalgia, depression, weight gain and gastric reflux...All of these can be attributed to lack of sleep or Sleep Apnea.
Seeing this correlation we began researching sleep apnea appliances as alternative to the CPAP machine used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Not only are some oral appliances for people who can’t tolerate the CPAP machine but they can be designed as orthotics to help treat TMJ Disorders.
These appliances aren’t for everyone especially severe OSA patients where the CPAP is the gold standard. However, working with our guests’ physicians, as a team, we can help determine what is best for each individual. These decisions are achieved through home sleep testing with devices like the Watch-PAT that provides breathing and sleep patterns and/or through studies at conventional sleep centers.
Breathing is vital to our survival. So is uninterrupted sleep, a time for rest, repair and renewal. Yet many are experiencing nighttime sleep interruptions and not aware of them. Some signs and symptoms of poor sleep habits include memory and concentration difficulties, excessive tiredness, slow metabolism, lack of energy, and mood swings.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment for sleep apnea may be a simple as a change in diet. Other guests may benefit from the help of a specially designed oral appliance, which prevents airway blockage. More severe cases of apnea may require surgery.
We, as a professional team, can help you decide which sleep device, TMJ treatment or combination of treatments will work best for you.