Treatment for TMJ and Sleep Apnea

Waking up with headaches and jaw pain can ruin an otherwise great morning.

While some instances of teeth grinding or jaw pain come and go, other patients suffer from chronic jaw joint issues. Either way, our Chino Hills dental team is here to help you get a better night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

What Is TMJ?

The acronym TMJ (also known as TMD) stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction – a chronic joint condition.

In some cases, TMD comes from a misaligned bite, a nightly clenching and grinding habit, or even trauma from an accident. Other times, the cause of TMD cannot be determined. 

When left untreated, your jaw joints can begin to deteriorate and symptoms may worsen. Eventually, if locking occurs, surgery may become necessary.

Symptoms of TMD include:

  • Clicking joints

  • Popping joints

  • Locking

  • Headaches

  • Migraines

  • Teeth sensitivity

  • Gum recession

  • Bony growths under your tongue

  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

  • Jaw pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us for a consultation and Dr. Alano will perform a complete exam to determine if you are a candidate for a custom nightguard.

Treatment for TMD

Chronic pain can be exhausting! Dr. Alano has helped hundreds of patients get relief from TMJ pain by creating a custom nightguard to protect their teeth and help their jaw relax while they sleep.

Our custom nightguards are comfortable and designed to address your specific needs. We can create a splint that helps with better alignment of your joints and creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth so that you can avoid damage such as cracks and wear.

If your bite is misaligned, you may benefit from other treatments such as equilibration (hairline adjustments to your teeth) or orthodontics to help you achieve better alignment for your teeth, which allows your jaw to relax into a more comfortable position.

Headaches, Bruxism, and TMJ

Your jaw joints are sensitive and can become tender due to muscle inflammation or poor occlusion (bite). If you consistently wake up with headaches or facial tension, it might be related to your jaw joint health.

Many of our patients can enjoy an increased quality of life by seeking treatment in our Chino Hills dental office. Dr. Michael Alano offers non-invasive therapy that truly gives our patients a new lease on life!

Do You Snore?

You might be aware that you annoy your partner with your loud snoring, but did you know that loud snoring can indicate a serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea? Sleep apnea causes the back of your throat to become blocked due to loose tissue, a thick neck, or being overweight.

Usually, a sleep apnea diagnosis requires either an at-home or clinic sleep stud,y and the first line of treatment is a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine. CPAP machines can work great to treat sleep apnea, but not all patients adjust well to using them.

We offer an alternative to wearing a mask while you sleep.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Treatment of Sleep Apnea and Snoring

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recognizes oral appliances as an effective treatment for sleep apnea and a great alternative for patients who cannot or will not use the CPAP machine. Dr. Alano designs oral appliances that gently open your airway and allow you to get the restful sleep you need to stay healthy.

When left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a host of medical issues including:

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart attacks

  • Stroke

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

  • Early death

Sleep apnea also affects your quality of life, making you sleepy during the day and resulting in many mood disorders, including depression.

Contact Us to Schedule a TMJ or Sleep Apnea Exam

At Smiling Hills Dental, we want you to be comfortable, healthy, and live life to the fullest!

Contact us to schedule a TMJ or sleep apnea exam so we can help you get a good night's sleep and improved oral health!