If you suspect or have been diagnosed with both sleep apnea and TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), you may be wondering, “Do you have sleep apnea and TMJ, Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend can help.” Together with a team of experts, Dr. Kelley Mingus offers comprehensive treatment for these two conditions, as well as many others.
Sleep Apnea and TMJ: What Are They?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. This may happen numerous times an hour, and each episode may last 10 seconds or longer. Sleep apnea is classified as either obstructive sleep apnea, in which the throat muscles relax and block the airway, or central sleep apnea, in which the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.
TMJ disorder is a problem that affects the jaw, the joint that connects the skull to the lower jaw. It’s usually called “TMJ” because the medical term is a mouthful. Symptoms can include pain and stiffness in the jaw joint, swelling in the area, and a clicking or popping sound when opening and closing the mouth.
How do Sleep Apnea and TMJ Interact?
The connection between sleep apnea and TMJ has been studied, and some research has suggested a link between the two conditions. For instance, findings suggest that people with TMJ disorder may be at higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Another study found that some people who have sleep apnea may have problems with the muscles in the jaw and a greater degree of mouth opening than those without sleep apnea.
How Can Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend Help?
At his practice in Bend, Oregon, Dr. Kelley Mingus offers comprehensive treatment for sleep apnea and TMJ. He uses a targeted non-invasive approach to address the underlying causes of both conditions. Dr. Mingus and his team can utilize a variety of treatment options, such as custom dental appliances, dental hygiene, and muscle-related treatments.
Custom Dental Appliances
One of Dr. Mingus’s primary tools for treating sleep apnea and TMJ is a custom oral appliance. These devices are worn during sleep to help keep the airway open, reducing the likelihood of sleep apnea episodes and preventing muscles from straining. The devices may also be used to help reposition the jaw, reducing the stress that leads to TMJ pain.
Dental Hygiene and Muscle Treatments
In addition to dental appliances, Dr. Mingus may recommend dental hygiene and muscle treatments for his patients with sleep apnea and TMJ. Periodontal treatments can help to address issues that may contribute to or exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, can also be treated using muscle treatments, such as massage therapy and specialty dentistry techniques.
Conclusion
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and TMJ, Dr. Kelley Mingus and his team in Bend, Oregon can help. They offer comprehensive, non-invasive treatment options such as custom oral appliances, dental hygiene, and muscle treatments to address both conditions. Contact Dr. Mingus’s practice today to learn how he can help you get a good night’s sleep and relief from TMJ symptoms!
