When it comes to oral health, issues like tooth cavities or gum disease may immediately come to mind. But, are you aware of what TMJ is and how it can affect your daily life? TMJ, short for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a broad term referring to discomfort and dysfunction in the muscles that control the jaw and the joints that connect the jaw to the skull. Providing the right TMJ treatment has become an integral part of dentistry at Kelley Mingus in Bend, Oregon.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
Your temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, functioning like a sliding hinge. Any issue affecting this complex system, which includes muscles, bones, and joints, can result in a painful condition colloquially referred to as TMJ. The disorder can lead to a slew of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms, affecting your daily lifestyle, and yes, you guessed it right, even your sleep.
Common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Constant aching facial pain
- Pain in and around your ear
- Pain while chewing
- Difficulty in opening or closing your mouth
- Jaw joint locking
- Sounds of clicking or grating when you open or close your mouth
How Does TMJ Impact Sleep Quality?
Patients with TMJ disorders often report sleep disruptions. The link between sleep and TMJ disorders is intricate. Persistent pain from TMJ discomfort can make it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep. Adequate rest is vital for the body to heal and regenerate, and sleep disruption can therefore exacerbate TMJ symptoms, creating a vicious cycle.
Connection Between TMJ and Sleep Apnea
The connection between TMJ disorders and Sleep Apnea is a significant consideration. Sleep Apnea is a severe sleep disorder in which the patient’s breathing consistently stops and starts throughout the night. This condition not only disrupts your sleep but can lead to serious health problems if left untreated—increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and more.
Holistic Approach Towards TMJ Treatment
At Kelley Mingus, our TMJ treatment approach is a holistic one. Led by Dr. Mingus, our competent team focuses on treating TMJ disorders with consideration to how it affects overall health, including sleep quality.
Neuromuscular Dentistry: A Pioneering Approach
One method we incorporate is neuromuscular dentistry. It focuses on correcting the misalignment of the jaw at its optimal position. This approach can not only relieve TMJ symptoms but can also have a significant impact on sleep by treating Sleep Apnea.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every individual is unique, and the same TMJ treatment method might not be efficient for everyone. Thus, we strive for personalized treatment plans, considering each individual’s specific needs for sustainable recovery.
Nurturing Your Sleep Quality with TMJ Treatment
When TMJ disorders are left untreated, sleep complications arising from pain and discomfort can take a toll on daily life. With our holistic TMJ treatment plan, we bring you a multi-fold benefit. Besides getting relief from pain, our patients have reported better sleep quality as a significant plus. Our treatments help reduce grinding and clenching, giving you a night of restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Among multiple success stories that make our day at Kelley Mingus, Janet is one such name. Janet, a 63-year-old patient, suffering from significant dental issues – including the disruption of her sleep quality due to a narrow airway and a painful bite – found her relief with our dental facelift procedure.
Experience World-class TMJ Treatment With Us
We at Kelley Mingus, Bend, Oregon, believe in providing world-class dentistry services. The relief our patients experience, and the improvement in their sleep quality and overall lifestyle, is a testimony to the effectiveness of our TMJ treatment procedures. Don’t let the discomfort or pain hold you back. Reach out to us, and let’s explore together how we may help you regain sound sleep and a healthier life.