Sleep-disordered breathing such as snoring and sleep apnea can be managed with something as simple as a custom mouthpiece. If you always feel tired or your sleep partner complains of snoring, it’s time to speak to a professional. But where should you turn first? Your doctor? A pulmonologist? If you’re due for a dental checkup, our DeSoto dentist can help!
Dr. Varkey talks about diagnosing sleep apnea, common and uncommon symptoms, and how to monitor it both in-office and with a device you can use at home.
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Oral Sleep Appliances
Unlike CPAP equipment that forces air into your lungs, an oral sleep appliance opens your airway naturally. The custom-made mouthpiece positions your lower jaw so that soft tissues don’t block off the back of your throat.
When you wear your sleep appliance, there’s no bulky equipment to get in the way. Instead, you can breathe normally and see an improvement in your sleep quality as quickly as the first night’s use.
Advantages of Oral Sleep Apnea Appliances
Discreet
Quiet
Doesn’t bother others around you
Easy to travel with
Can be combined with CPAP
Ideal for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
May eliminate the need for a CPAP
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Do you suspect that you or a loved one has a sleeping disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea? Getting screened early can prevent serious health consequences.
Some of the things our DeSoto dentist, Dr. Varkey will look for include worn or flat teeth, broken dental work, signs of teeth grinding (bruxism,) a large neck circumference, weight gain, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
We are now also offering at-home sleep study tests only for $250! Come in for a visit and take home our test kit. Our sleep study test is non-invasive, quick and convenient.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Desoto TX
Dr. Praveen Varkey can screen for sleeping disorders and work with your specialist to determine if apnea is present. In some cases, you can even have a take-home sleep study performed for formal diagnosis without an overnight trip to the sleep lab.
Request an appointment with us today for more information.
Get a Healthy Smile Today!
Contact us & plan your visit
To schedule a visit, fill out our appointment request form or call our office. We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a common condition affecting a wide variety of people of all ages. People who suffer from TMJ experience moderate to severe pain and suffering that in many cases are avoidable through several treatment options to correct what is commonly called a “bad bite” but refers to…
Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a common condition affecting a wide variety of people of all ages. People who suffer from TMJ experience moderate to severe pain and suffering that in many cases are avoidable through several treatment options to correct what is commonly called a “bad bite” but refers to the misalignment of teeth.
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What Is the Difference Between TMJ and TMD?
Although often used interchangeably, TMJ and TMD are not technically the same, even though they are indeed related. The temporomandibular joint, TMJ, acts like a hinge that slides in your mouth and connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ is the actual part of the body. TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorders, defines the actual problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMD can cause pain in those muscles that control jaw movement and your jaw joint.
Because the terms are often used interchangeably, one can assume that TMJ and TMD refer to the same thing – a disorder in the jaw joint that leads to pain and discomfort.
While more people know it as TMJ vs. TMD, that is how we will refer to it going forward in addressing your TMJ questions.
The exact causes of TMJ have not been discovered; however, dental professionals believe that symptoms arise from various issues with your jaw muscles or with parts of the joint area itself.
If you have had an injury to your jaw, jaw joint, or the muscles surrounding your neck and head, such as a heavy object blow or whiplash, this can lead to TMJ.
Other causes of TMJ include:
Movement of the soft disc between the socket and ball of the jaw joint
Clenching or grinding your teeth causes pressure on the joint
Stress which causes clenching
Arthritis of your joint
Stress and anxiety that leads to clenching and grinding
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ can cause severe discomfort and pain, and it can be temporary or last for a few years. It can also affect either one or both sides of the face. It is most common among people aged 20 to 40, and studies suggest that it occurs mainly in women than men.
TMJ symptoms include:
Tenderness or pain in your jaw joint area, face, neck, and shoulders,
Pain around your ear when you speak or chew
Lock or stuck jaw when in the open-or closed-mouth position
Fatigue feeling in your face
Headaches
Popping, grating, or clicking sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew. This might not be painful.
Swelling on your face
Uncomfortable bite or trouble with chewing. This might feel like your teeth do not fit together correctly.
Problems with opening/closing mouth
Toothaches
How Is TMJ Diagnosed?
Dr. Praveen Varkey will conduct a physical exam and talk to you about your medical health history to figure out if you have TMJ or not. Many other conditions cause similar symptoms to TMJ symptoms, such as sinus issues, arthritis, and tooth decay, so it’s important to see a professional to address the root problem.
Dr. Praveen Varkey will check your jaw joints for tenderness or pain and listen for pops, clicks, or grating sounds when you move them. They will also ensure that your jaw works well and doesn’t lock when you close or open your mouth. They will also check for issues with your facial muscles by testing your bite.
You may require a full facial X-ray so that Dr. Varkey can better view your temporomandibular joints, jaws, and teeth to rule out any other potential oral problems. Other tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) may also be required.
If your TMD is severe, Dr. Varkey may need to refer you to an oral surgeon (maxillofacial surgeon) for further treatment and care. This type of surgeon specializes in surgery in and around the entire face, jaw area, and mouth.
At-Home Remedies for TMJ
Treatments for TMJ can cause pain relief, and there are various treatments you can do at home to relieve some of the TMJ symptoms. Dr. Varkey may suggest that you try some of these remedies together before seeking further medical help:
Heat or cold packs to soothe the painful area
Over-the-counter medications
Eat soft foods
Don’t rest your chin on your hand
Keep your teet apart slightly
Avoid extreme jaw movements
Learn jaw relaxation techniques
Treatment for TMJ in Desoto
Apart from self-care treatments for TMJ, Dr. Varkey may also recommend the following treatments that can be done at our dental practice in Desoto:
Medications such as NSAIDs (anti-anxiety, anti-depressants) that are only available by prescription but can help ease stress which relives jaw clenching
Dental work such as braces or overbite correction surgery
Botox treatment for TMJ can be highly effective. Botox treatments have been found to significantly decrease pain and increase mouth movements for three months following the treatment. Another study found that TMJ symptoms improved in 90% of participants with TMJ.
If you would like to consider botox to treat your TMJ symptoms, Dr. Varkey will happily assist you with any questions you might have.
Get TMJ Treatment in Desoto Today
If you would like to learn more about TMJ treatment in Desoto, please schedule a consultation today or give us a call. Our compassionate and experienced team will happily assist you.
Get a Healthy Smile Today!
Contact us & plan your visit
To schedule a visit, fill out our appointment request form or call our office. We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Sleep-disordered breathing such as snoring and sleep apnea can be managed with something as simple as a custom mouthpiece. If you always feel tired or your sleep partner complains of snoring, it’s time to speak to a professional. But where should you turn first? Your doctor? A pulmonologist? If you’re due for…
We want to be your partners in establishing and maintaining a top-notch preventive program. Our goal is to keep dental disease and other bad news away from your teeth. Whether it is a regular cleaning or more advanced dental work, we strive to maintain the quality of our work and ensure that all your dental needs are met with excellence.
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Why Preventive Dentistry is Important
Many people associate the word “dental appointment” with anxiety and dread. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including past bad experiences or in most cases how dentists were once portrayed in the media. The truth is, a visit to the dentist is a great way to save money, pain, and suffering, in the long run. It helps you detect any serious oral health problems in their early stages as well as prevent any possible issues.
Preventive Dentistry emphasizes preventing dental problems, instead of waiting for them to occur and then looking at solutions. Preventive dentistry is especially important for children as it helps them develop healthy gums and teeth as they grow older.
The Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Stay Informed: Staying informed is important not only for your oral health but also for your overall health. Many people believe that brushing and flossing your teeth every day is enough to give your teeth the sparkle they desire and prevent oral health issues. This is not true. While brushing is an important step in oral hygiene, patients should also visit a dentist to have their mouth examined to detect other health issues related to their oral health. By visiting the dentist, you stay informed about your oral health and can make the best decisions for your future.
You Save Money: Most people avoid going to the dentist because they are trying to save money. While dental appointments can be expensive, they aren’t as costly as they might be if the patient has a condition that could have been avoided. Replacing a tooth is much more expensive than preventing decay in the first place!
Maintain A Healthy Smile: Even with daily flossing and brushing, small areas of the mouth can still be missed. Plaque becomes harder to remove, and can solidify into tartar. This build-up is also how cavities form and can lead to gum disease. Regular cleanings of the teeth prevent tartar from eroding them or creating holes.
How To Maintain Your Oral Health
Things you need to take care of:
Brushing and flossing daily
Keep sugar intake low
Scheduling regular cleanings and check-ups with us
Things we will take care of:
Keeping your teeth clean and polished
Checking your teeth, gums, and jaws for signs of any issues
Heading off any problems at the pass
Together, we will keep you and your beautiful smile at its best and brightest!
General Dentistry in Desoto TX
At Desoto Family Dentistry, we believe that prevention is the best cure! To maintain good oral health, it is important to have regular dental check-ups and thoroughly follow up with any ongoing dental procedures. This will also help us detect any serious oral health problems in their early stages as well as prevent any possible issues.
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