Do you suffer from debilitating headaches, jaw pain and facial pain? Have you been desperately searching for a solution but haven’t been able to find one yet? We can help. Here at the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit, we are specialists in the treatment of Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and head/facial pain.
TMD, headaches and facial pain are serious life-altering problems. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), more than 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from Temporomandibular disorder (TMJ) complications. This refers to several conditions that affect TM joints, facial nerves and jaw muscles, often occurring when the jaw twists when opening or closing the mouth.
Both men and women experience TMJ issues, but 90 percent of those seeking treatment are women in their child-bearing years.
Physiological differences in pain processing can explain why women suffer these conditions more than men. So what is the cause? We don’t know for sure, but literature demonstrates the main causes to be directly correlated with:
- Breathing problems such as sleep apnea
- Chronic pain
- Physical trauma
- Chronic headaches, neck pain, and migraines if left untreated
Here at the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit, we realize sleep apnea, facial pain and headaches can all be related. That’s why we treat the whole person to get at the root cause of the issue. Call us now for a free consultation with Dr. Roman Sadikoff at (586) 949-2516.
The Sleep Apnea/TMJ Connection
Sleep apnea is often directly connected to TMJ issues, which leads to headaches; however, many dentists disregard this connection and treat either one or the other. Not here at the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit. Dr. Sadikoff completed a residency at the University of Tennessee on treating sleep-related breathing disorders and craniofacial pain. Offering the latest state-of-the art diagnostic equipment, he provides treatment of TMJ disorders, facial pain and sleep apnea right in his office.
While sleep apnea and TMD are two different disorders, research shows they often go hand-in-hand, with evidence pointing to both conditions being caused by the same underlying factor. Sleep apnea results in the stoppage of breathing several times a night by an obstruction of the airway, resulting in inadequate oxygen levels and poor sleep quality. TMJ disorder is a problem with the temporomandibular joint. When the joint functions incorrectly, jaw pain, ear pain, migraines, and headaches can result.
While the two conditions are treated separately by most dentists, we don’t take that approach. We understand dental problems has been leading to an increase in many chronic conditions, including TMJ disorders and sleep apnea. For example, poor development of the lower jaw can further impact teeth position, and when the teeth don’t come together in the right way, the lower jaw may fall backward, causing the airways to get restricted.
Often, the jaw just needs to be advanced forward to open up the airways, usually through a simple oral appliance that can be customized to each patient. While CPAP machines have been the go-to choice for years, many can benefit from a less-invasive approach with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) or oral appliance worn at night.
The bottom line is, when you treat TMJ disorders and sleep apnea together, the headaches, sleepless nights, and jaw and ear pain can be relieved rather than mask the pain with separate treatments.
Contact the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit
Do you suffer from TMD in Southeast Michigan? Are you eager to learn more about how you can eliminate your head and facial pain? Call the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit today at (586) 949-2516.