Dr. Giesy provides TMJ disorder and sleep apnea services in Tacoma and the Puget Sound area. We have many solutions to relieve your headaches, jaw pain, and snoring.
‘‘My jaw wouldn't open the whole way, and it was popping. I came to see Dr. Giesy, and I've been using the orthotics therapy for 12 weeks. Now, my discomfort is completely gone and my jaw is back to normal. I'm grateful to have it all fixed.
Jessica, Actual TMJ Patient
Seemingly “incurable” headache, ear pain, or facial pain could be generated by your jaw joints, bite, and/or spasm in the facial muscles. The majority of TMD sufferers are women; however, it also effects men, children, and adolescents.
This type of issue could be a sign of TMJ disorder (or TMD). Not knowing the signs, many people search for expensive answers and relief from these symptoms:
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Washington, Dr. Giesy will conduct an extensive evaluation during your consultation and will even partner with doctors in the surrounding area to alleviate your symptoms.
Some treatment methods may include:
44 million people in North America suffer from cardiovascular disease and 40 million from symptoms of TMD. At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Washington, we understand that these conditions are related.
There are many causes of TMD; however, they often involve the relationship between your teeth, the TM joints, supporting ligaments, and associated musculature. The clicking, popping, or grating of the jaw joints are caused by the abnormal movement of the discs as they move over the head of the joints upon opening and closing. Some contributing factors to TMD may include:
The most common symptom of TMD is noise from the joint, but it can also be present without joint noise. Jaw problems, migraines, chronic headaches, and musculoskeletal pain are symptoms of a greater problem effecting the body - much like a fever is secondary to the flu.
Many TMD patients complain of:
When an occlusion problem or tissue damage to the head, neck, and facial area is diagnosed, it is important to have an evaluation by a trained and qualified TMD dentist, like Dr. Giesy.
He’ll perform a thorough examination of your jaw joints, neck, head, and facial features to obtain an accurate diagnosis. The standard method is to craft an orthotic (splint) for stabilization. Depending on your situation, other options may be recommended, including:
‘‘I didn't think it would be possible to have relief from snoring. My wife was skeptical. After getting my snoring appliance, the next morning my wife said she didn't hear me snoring at all. We realized the appliance was working, and ever since, we've had nothing but sleep every night.
Steve, Actual Sleep Apnea Patient
Neck and shoulder pain could be signs of a much larger problem of TMJ disorder. The majority of TMD sufferers are women; although men, young children, and adolescents are also effected. Too often patients endure a frustrating and expensive doctor-to-doctor search to find answers for relief from symptoms. A dentist who is trained and experienced in TMD is usually the one who treats it conservatively.
With neck and shoulder pain, we may use TMD treatments. A custom-made orthotic (splint) is usually prescribed for orthopedic and musculoskeletal stabilization. While many of the symptoms are temporarily improved with pharmacological agents such as analgesics, muscle relaxants, anxiolytics, and anti-depressants, additional adjunctive therapies include:
Sleep apnea occurs when someone stops breathing for at least 10 seconds up to 30 times or more throughout the night.
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, a cessation of breathing during sleep, which can put a great strain on the cardiovascular system. This is why sleep apnea, if left untreated, increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. Other symptoms could include:
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Washington, Dr. Giesy offers a conservative approach with a custom-made oral appliance. This nonsurgical approach is made to wear during sleep, which gently moves your lower jaw forward, opening up your airway.
If poor sleep interferes with your daily activities like remaining alert during meetings, while watching television, or when driving or operating equipment, then discuss it with Dr. Giesy and our team. We will help you determine what course of treatment is best for you. Your health is your most priceless possession; you are worth the investment.
There are many side effects when you don't get enough sleep. Let's closely examine how they may effect you personally:
If you think that you or a loved one may suffer from this sleep disorder, please call to schedule a visit to TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Washington.