Is There a Link Between TMJ & Sleep Apnea?

The other day a patient asked us if there was a connection between her TMJ and her snoring. This is such an interesting question that we are very excited to address.

There is no direct relationship between sleep apnea and TMJ, but many sleep apnea patients have TMJ symptoms, such as muscle pain, due to emotional discomfort and lack of sleep. Patients with a small lower jaw, known as mandibular hypoplasia, have a greater chance of having TMJ derangement. Therefore, TMJ and sleep apnea are indirectly related.

Furthermore, the appliance that is made for TMJ and sleep apnea, an anterior positioning splint, is almost the same! In both appliances, the lower jaw is being moved forward. This is why a lot of general dentists offer TMJ and sleep apnea treatment to their patients. We believe it is important to see a specialist for TMJ and sleep apnea because not every patient should use, or will, benefit from a splint. Take a look at our previous post about splint therapy for TMJ, here.

For more information about what TMJ treatment is right for you, call our office for a consultation 

(310)276-5300 or toll free (866)DOC-4TMJ. 

Dr. Fariborz Farnad, DMD

421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

www.thetmjdoctor.com

www.bhcomfs.com

Tonsillectomy and Jaw Pain

If you have recently had your tonsils removed and are experiencing jaw pain, your pain is not uncommon or unusual. During your procedure, the intubation can cause jaw joint disorders and jaw pain. In order to do a tonsillectomy the surgeon must open your mouth quickly and make sure the mouth is open wide to insert the respiration tube. The length of the surgery is directly related to how long your mouth remains open, which can cause pain to the jaw joint. If you are experiencing a lot of pain after your tonsillectomy you should consult your physician. If the pain occurs months after your procedure, you should see a TMJ specialist.

Are Your Headaches Caused by TMJ Disorder?

Millions of Americans suffer from headaches. Each year, more people are misdiagnosed and the source of their headaches remains undetected. Frequently, a jaw joint disorder or jaw alignment is the culprit of constant neck pain and chronic headaches. If you are experiencing headaches more than once a month you may be experiencing TMJ symptoms.

People who suffer from chronic headaches and migraines are often surprised to find relief in TMJ treatments. TMJ remedies work for these patients because numerous migraine symptoms are the same as TMJ symptoms. Some identical symptoms include: resistance to over-the-counter medications, neck pain, sensitivity to light, dizziness, tension in the head, jaw, shoulders, and neck.

So how do you know if you have TMJ?

Statistically, most TMJ sufferers are female and their TMJ symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as migraines. Their painful symptoms are sometimes masked but the source of the pain is not treated because it is not diagnosed properly. The pain TMJ sufferers experience often begins in the jaw joint, neck, ear, temple area, and shoulders. Over time, the actual jaw joint can collect debris and damage may occur. Other symptoms, such as muscle stiffness can limit a person's range of motion in the jaw. When this occurs, people often describe their TMJ as "locked jaw". This can be accompanied by a clicking or popping sound or even lead to hearing problems.

Migraines and headaches related to TMJ are typically moderate to severe in pain and people experience severe pain around the entire head, neck, or behind the eyes, around the jaw joint and ears. If you occasionally experience one of these symptoms you do not need to panic. However, if you frequently feel these symptoms, once or more times a month then you should seek proper medical attention to address your potential TMJ.

When you see Dr. Farnad for your TMJ consultation, he will review your migraine and headache history, in addition to a full medical evaluation. At this time, he will also create a treatment plan specifically designed to treat the actual problem, not just mask the symptoms. There are numerous affective TMJ treatments that will greatly reduce your migraine and headache pain.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Farnad, call (310)276-5300.

Have questions? The TMJ Doctor is happy to answer them, just email dr.fariborzfarnad@gmail.com

421 N. Rodeo Dr. #T8

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310)276-5300

www.thetmjdoctor.com

www.facebook.com/bhcomfs

TMJ Specialist for Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas

Welcome to The TMJ Doctor's Blog!

We understand how frustrating TMJ can be for our patients. Sometimes, it's not only physical aspect but the emotional component of TMJ/TMD that makes it a particular difficult disorder. Our hope is to provide our patient's with a place to discuss their symptoms while learning new and relevant information about their TMJ and jaw pain. Our mission is to help our patients, and others suffering from TMJ, live a more pain free, stress free, and healthful life. 

Thank you for checking out our blog, we would love to hear your thoughts along the way! 

To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300

421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

www.thetmjdoctor.com

www.bhcomfs.com