6/12/2018 0 Comments Do I Have Sleep Apnea?Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea, and many are not aware that they have this chronic disorder. Our patients are often surprised when we ask about various sleep-related issues during dental checkups. We do this because there are numerous signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that many people do not know. In fact, most of our patients are not aware that dental professionals are usually the first to spot signs of sleep apnea and then refer patients to a medical doctor for an official diagnosis.
It is a typical misconception that loud snoring is the only symptom of sleep apnea. There are several indicators of sleep apnea that are commonly noticed by a dentist. These include: • Teeth Grinding- Also called bruxism, teeth grinding occurs along with sleep apnea. Grinding the teeth is one way that the brain signals the body to wake up and breathe. • Jaw Clenching- Recent studies show that the action of jaw clenching occurs as the body’s way of trying to prevent the throat from relaxing too much, as this often leads to sleep apnea. • Dry Mouth- Those who have sleep apnea tend to be mouth breathers. Breathing through the mouth is the body’s way of attempting to get more oxygen. • Worn Teeth- Tooth grinding causes teeth to wear down because of the constant friction. • Morning Headaches- Jaw clenching or tooth grinding often cause these, but a marked lack of oxygen is also a cause of morning head pain. • Broken or Cracked Teeth- Another by-product of bruxism and jaw clenching, these are both symptoms of sleep apnea which motivate patients to see a dentist. • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder- More commonly known as TMJ disorder, this is an issue characterized by painful and stiff jaws. It often comes about because of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. These are both associated with sleep apnea and exacerbate the symptoms of TMJ. While it is true that a specialized medical doctor must officially diagnose sleep apnea, our dentist in Northridge is skilled at finding symptoms and looking for information that indicates sleep apnea. Additionally, there are various dental appliances which are very effective in treating some of the structural causes of sleep apnea. Our dentist can help you find a device to help you overcome sleep apnea. If you have one or more of the symptoms of sleep apnea, do not hesitate to contact our office. We can help get you on the road to a good night's sleep.
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11/20/2017 0 Comments When is Dental Bonding Used?Dental bonding is a procedure that can be used to aesthetically improve or restore your smile. Bonding uses the same material that white dental fillings use: composite resin. The tooth-colored resin is applied and shaped to match the surface of your tooth and then cured and polished for a strong, lasting shine.
We can use bonding in many ways to fix your smile, including:
A tooth can be bonded in a single appointment. We will prepare the tooth by roughening the surface. You will not necessarily need anesthesia as long as there is no decay. Once the tooth has been roughened, a conditioning liquid is applied, and the correct color of resin is chosen to match the tooth. The putty-like material is molded, shaped and smoothed onto the tooth, and when it is cured, it forms a strong bond with the tooth that can last up to 10 years with good care. Call our dentist today to learn more or to schedule your appointment. 7/13/2017 0 Comments Does TMJ get worse with pregnancy?Is there anything more frustrating than being told to relax? For expectant mothers suffering from TMJ, it can be incredibly excruciating to experience tender jaw. Often, TMJ is stress induced and can be difficult to combat without guidance from a medical professional. Our TMJ doctor specializes in treating temporomandibular joints to relieve patients of severe inflammation.
TMJ is pain located in the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Those with this condition experience headaches, locked jaw, difficulty chewing, and, in certain cases, discomfort when speaking. Pregnant women in particular are prone to this condition because they are more susceptible to swelling. To combat swelling and decrease the likelihood of developing TMJ, pregnant women should stay active avoid constrictive clothes, stay hydrated, and soak in cold water. Anyone who has ever been affected by TMJ knows just how painful it can be. If left untreated, TMJ can lead to intense headaches, tinnitus, and shoulder and neck pain. Luckily, there are a variety of solutions including physical therapy, mouth guards, medications, and surgical options. If you have symptoms of TMJ it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about potential treatments to find out the best option for you. 12/6/2016 0 Comments Doctors that Treat TMJTMJ is a mysterious and diffuse condition that medical experts are still investigating. It affects the temporomandibular joint, which controls jaw function. Symptoms include headaches, earaches, difficulty chewing, the jaw being permanently ajar, and audible clicking or popping sounds in the jaw.
One of the key factors of TMJ is its ability to radiate dysfunction to nearby body parts, such as the head and neck. It also has a strong overlap in patients with diabetes and other autoimmune conditions. To pursue a full treatment plan, you may need to see several different doctors. Your first visit would probably be to your primary care physician. They may refer you to an oral surgeon, an otolaryngologist, or even a psychologist. TMJ symptoms often begin with an increase in stress, and counseling may recommend a lifestyle change. If your TMJ symptoms are related to a deformity or dysfunction in the jaw or bite, you may need to see a maxillofacial surgeon. Surgical practices for TMJ include arthrocentesis, the most minimally invasive, and open-joint surgery, which repairs the jaw or joint. Short of surgery, you may get by with Botox injections or ordinary pain medications. Since not a lot is known about TMJ, you can expect a lengthy timeline of appointments and proposals. Ask your TMJ doctors in Northridge for a consultation. |
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