Showing posts with label TMJ disorder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TMJ disorder. Show all posts

Monday, January 20, 2014

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

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Headaches and Jaw Pain and Splints, Oh My!

TMJ can be an overwhelming, frustrating, and sometimes scary disorder. Much like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, your world can feel like it's flipped upside down when you're experiencing TMJ pain.

PHOTO CREDIT: SUPRIJONO SUHARJOTO/ISTOCK
Each day, we speak to so many patients who have limited jaw mobility, have difficulty chewing or talking, suffer from mild to severe headaches, and have neck, shoulder, and even lower back pain. People are often shocked by the fact that their jaw muscle can have such a tremendous impact on their lives.

We have some patients that are professional singers, violinists, and other musicians that delay recording and often feel depressed by their inability to preform. Others feel burdened by TMJ because it limits their ability to socialize because they are uncomfortable talking and going out to eat with friends or family. Other patients feel frustrated because they have been slipping with a splint, night-guard, or orthotic device and have not had any relief (to read more about splint therapy and why it may not be working click here: http://thetmjdoctor.blogspot.com/2013/09/splint-therapy-for-tmj.html).

With so many different symptoms and treatment options it's no wonder that TMJ can be an overwhelming diagnosis. We want to help you down your path to treatment and TMJ pain relief.

People do not always associate headaches and earaches with jaw pain but many times those symptoms correlate directly with TMJ/TMD. Frequently, these are symptoms of malocclusion which means that the jaw is not balanced and the stress of this imbalance can lead to jaw pain. Dr. Farnad has been successfully treating TMJ for over two decades and has the ability to tailor treatment plans specifically to each patient's individual symptoms. It is so important to understand that no two people experience TMJ in the same way. This knowledge allows you choose a doctor that recognizes your individuality as a patient.

Many times patients experience some symptoms and not others. Many patients have told us that they cannot believe their headaches are from TMJ because they do not experience clicking or popping sounds coming from their jaw. Other patients tell us they hear sounds coming from their jaw but have no other symptoms and chances are, these two patients will need a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause and the solution for their TMJ.

If you are experiencing:

- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Grind your teeth
- Hear clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw
- Have a difficult time opening, closing, or moving your mouth
- Have earaches

You should consult a doctor to discuss treatment options. Often times, people are afraid of going to the dentist. However, the appropriate specialist can significantly decrease your jaw pain, even remove pain completely! We hope even if your nervous about navigating the TMJ treatment path, you will visit Dr. Farnad to get a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.

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

Dr. Fariborz Farnad is a TMJ specialist located in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Treating patients throughout Los Angeles, including Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Orange County, Long Beach, Downey, Irvine, Northridge, Cerritos, Santa Barbara, Encino.



Thursday, October 17, 2013

Who Should I See for TMJ?

We are often asked, "who should I see to treat my TMJ" or "why should I see an Oral Surgeon for TMJ?"

We are here to tell you why seeing an Oral Surgeon/DMD is so important. As soon as you feel TMJ/TMD symptoms, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be consulted immediately. An oral surgeon specializes specifically in the jaw, teeth, and mouth. Although your general dentist may be able to diagnosis TMJ/TMD disorders, they do not typically have the ability to provide a comprehensive treatment plan like an oral surgeon.

TMJ symptoms are unique to each individual and every patient needs a treatment plan created specifically for their symptoms and TMJ disorder. An oral surgeon can offer conservative dental treatments, such as a splint or Botox, to medically necessary surgery. Oftentimes, an oral surgeon can provide you with  prescription anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain. They can provide non-invassive surgical procedures like arthrocentesis and arthroscopic surgery, which washes the joint and removes debris to stop painful TMJ symptoms.

In our office, Dr. Farnad reviews your entire medical history and does a comprehensive evaluation of your jaw and joints. Using state-of-the-art technology in the office, Dr. Farnad takes a CT image and explains in detail where the pain is coming from and will create a treatment plan specifically for you. Just like there is no one else in the world like you, there is no one else with identical TMJ symptoms. Seeing an oral surgeon who understands your condition is vital in proper treatment.

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