Frequently Asked Questions

TMD/Craniofacial Pain

Why Does My Jaw Make Noise?

Because the disc/cartilage between the two bones is dislocating and popping out of place.

Do TMJ Problems Hurt?

TMJ problems are often associated with severe pain. However, pain is a late effect. This means pain is not a predictable way to screen people for TMJ disorders.

This pain can also vary in location and nature, from pain in the jaw’s joint space to sharp pains when opening and or closing or persistent dull aches in the muscle. It is not unusual to mistake TMJ pain for headaches and earaches.

Why Is My Jaw Stuck or Locked?

The jaw can become stuck when the disc/cartilage dislocates, or the muscles that control movement spasm enough to prevent your jaw’s full range of motion.

How Do You Diagnose TMJ Problems?

TMJ disorders are diagnosed by a physical examination of range of motion, joint sounds/vibrations, joint hard tissue images, sleep diagnostics, and/or soft tissue diagnostic images.

My Dentist Took X-Rays, Can We Use Them?

Yes, we will always look at those. However, in most cases, they are not detailed enough. We will likely take a CBCT (Cone Beam Computerized Tomography) to evaluate your symptoms. Thankfully, we have these imaging capabilities onsite.

Are Grinding/Clenching Related to TMJ Issues?

Yes. Clenching and grinding of teeth can have a negative effect on the jaw joint.

The act of clenching and grinding teeth puts stress on the joint space and causes a decrease in the quality of the lubrication and impedes movement, which causes increased load, inflammation, and breakdown of the TM joint.

Will Drugs Help?

Drugs such as analgesics, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and local anesthetics may play a role in your treatment. However, drugs alone cannot solve your TMJ issues.

Why And When Are Sleep Studies Recommended in TMJ Situations?

More than 60% of patients with TMJ issues also suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep is when we rest, heal, and rejuvenate.

Proper sleep is paramount to health. Oftentimes the OSA and other sleep-related breathing disorders negatively affect the health of the TM joints through increased load to these structures.

Could My Headache Be a Result of My TMJ Issue?

Yes, TMJ problems often cause headaches and can be resolved if the origin of the headache is related to the nerves innervating the TM joints.

What Might Happen If I Do Nothing?

TMJ issues are progressive; they continue to get worse over time.

This progression usually looks like short-term sharp pains, jaw inflammation resulting in muscle tenderness, jaw joint noises, limited range of motion and locking of the jaw, changes in the bony makeup of the jaw joint, wear and destruction of teeth, and loss of a portion of the jaw joint resulting in a permanent change in the bite and ability to chew.

Ultimately, doing nothing will cost more than investing in treating your symptoms.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea FAQs

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

A diagnostic sleep study completed at home or in the lab is the only way to know for sure. Our team can help you determine what type of test is best suited for you.

How Is Sleep Apnea Classified?

Sleep apnea is classified by the number of times you stop or nearly stop breathing in an hour of sleep. It ranges from mild, with 5-15 events per hour, to moderate, with 16-30 events, and severe, with more than 30 events per hour.

Can Treatment Help with Snoring?

We hope so! Snoring is multifactorial, and we’ll need to determine what factors we can influence and improve to eliminate your snoring. By addressing the root causes, we aim to provide relief and a better night’s sleep.

How Do You Measure Success in Treatment?

Success in medicine is often measured by a 40% reduction in symptoms. We will continuously evaluate your progress and document improvements to ensure your success throughout your treatment journey.

Do You Accept Insurance?

We do not accept insurance because we care about you too much. If we did, our practice would not be in existence to serve the 5,000+ patients we’ve treated. Learn more about the limitations of working with insurance companies.

What Are the Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea steals far more than sleep; it steals life. Few diseases affect your longevity and quality of life more than sleep apnea.

Although it’s impossible to predict specific outcomes, the risks include heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, automobile accidents, poor performance at work, fatigue, and negative social interactions.

Home Sleep Test FAQs

What Is a Home Sleep Test?

A home sleep test is a diagnostic tool completed in the comfort of your own home. It helps us quantify what is happening with your breathing, oxygen levels, awakenings, and positioning during sleep.

We have several different units that are uniquely utilized for specific situations, making the process as easy and comfortable as possible.

What Is an In-Lab Sleep Test?

An in-lab sleep test is conducted at a medical facility where you spend the night. This test gathers a comprehensive amount of data relating to your sleep and is monitored by a technician throughout the night.

We can help you determine which test is best suited for your needs based on your specific situation.