Shiflett Family Dental

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(614) 262-1807

3805 N High St. Suite 207
Columbus, OH 43214

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Shiflett Family Dental > Services > TMJ and Sleep Apnea Treatment

Shiflett Family Dental offers solutions for both sleep apnea and TMJ pain, which are often closely related.

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Sleep Apnea Treatment in Clintonville, OH

man in pain holding jaw l sleep apnea treatment columbus oh At Shiflett Family Dental, we know that pain in your jaw joints can significantly alter your quality of life. It is difficult to chew, laugh, or talk when your jaw joint (called the temporomandibular joint or TMJ) is throbbing. Although your TMJ pain can be very complicated, the treatment can often be simple.

We also offer treatment for sleep apnea, which is often related. Through sleep apnea treatment in Clintonville, OH, you can stop snoring and sleep safely and comfortably again.

Why Does My Jaw Hurt?

TMJ pain has many causes, and sometimes more than one. Patients commonly experience jaw pain from clenching or grinding their teeth (bruxism). We also see patients with painful clicking and popping of their joints, often due to a disc in the joint that will dislocate and pop back into place. This dislocating disc can be due to past trauma, clenching, grinding, or other habits.

Many patients have no idea they clench or grind their teeth because it occurs at night while asleep (called nocturnal bruxism). There are signs you can look for that will help you determine if you are experiencing this overnight. Dr. Shiflett will do a thorough exam looking for the symptoms listed below, but you can also help him by checking for them!

Pain in jaw muscles or joints in the morning
Flat, worn teeth
Teeth that are shortening over time
Chipped teeth
Notches or worn areas of your teeth near your gums

Without treatment, bruxism can lead to cavities, tooth loss, and increased pain. It can also be a factor in TMJ.

Benefits of TMJ and Sleep Apnea Treatment

Struggling with jaw pain or disrupted sleep can take a toll on your daily life. At Shiflett Family Dental, we offer targeted treatments for both TMJ disorders and sleep apnea, designed to bring real relief and enhance your overall well-being. Here’s how our specialized care can benefit you.

Reduced Pain and Discomfort

TMJ disorders often cause pain in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, which can also disrupt sleep. Our dentist in Columbus addresses TMJ issues to alleviate this pain, helping with related symptoms like tension headaches and earaches. Simultaneously, treating sleep apnea tackles discomfort from interrupted breathing during the night, providing relief from multiple sources of pain.

Better Sleep Quality

Pain from TMJ can interfere with your sleep. Our dentist in Columbus treats TMJ to improve your comfort during rest. When combined with effective treatment for sleep apnea, which keeps your airway open and prevents breathing interruptions, you can achieve more restful and uninterrupted sleep.

Improved Jaw Function and Breathing

Effective TMJ treatment helps restore normal jaw function, making daily activities like eating and speaking easier. This improvement also supports treatment for sleep apnea, as a properly aligned jaw helps maintain an open airway during sleep. This leads to smoother breathing and reduces the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.

Increased Daytime Energy and Focus

Relief from TMJ pain and improved sleep quality lead to higher energy levels during the day. When you wake up refreshed and free from pain, you can concentrate better and be more productive. This boost in energy allows you to engage more effectively in daily tasks.

Decreased Need for Pain Medication

Chronic TMJ pain and sleep apnea symptoms often lead to reliance on pain medication or sleep aids. Effective treatment for both conditions can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for these medications. By addressing the root causes of pain and sleep disruption, you can reduce your dependency on medication and avoid potential side effects.

Improved Cognitive Function and Memory

Sleep apnea often leads to fragmented sleep, which can impair cognitive function and memory. Effective treatment for sleep apnea allows for deeper, uninterrupted sleep, which is crucial for cognitive processes such as memory consolidation and problem-solving.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Justin Shiflett

Dr. Justin Shiflett graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2016. He received his undergraduate degree from Malone University in Canton, OH, where he competed on the baseball team. He started all four years as an infielder, setting the career mark for sacrifices.

Since completing his dental education, Dr. Shiflett has taken additional courses to advance the services he can offer patients and stay up to date on the latest technologies. Shiflett Family Dental is proud to offer dental implants, clear aligners, root canal therapy, and ...

Why Do I Clench and Grind My Teeth?

Some believe this bruxism is due to a stressful job or lifestyle, but more often, it is due to your body having insufficient oxygen during the night. When you have trouble breathing while asleep, it is called sleep apnea.

There are parameters the medical community uses to define sleep apnea, but if you suffer from this sleep disorder, your ability to breathe is diminished or even eliminated at times during the night. This is extremely dangerous and increases your risk of numerous health problems, including stroke, high blood pressure, kidney issues, and so much more.

When your body senses it is not getting enough oxygen while you are asleep, it goes into survival mode. It releases the fight or flight hormone (epinephrine), which increases your heart rate and fights to open your airway.

To open your airway, your body contracts muscles associated with your jaw and slides it forward and side to side. This action allows more air to reach your lungs and gives your body the oxygen it needs, but it also bangs your teeth together. As you can imagine, this is very hard on your heart and jaw muscles and disrupts your ability to get restful sleep.

Signs of sleep apnea include:

Snoring
Daytime sleepiness
Mood changes
Dry mouth
Waking often during the night

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TMJ?

TMJ is a joint disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. The joint is located on either side of the face and acts as a sliding hinge that allows the jaw to open and close so you can bite, chew, and speak.

Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMJ or TMD, can cause pain in the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Luckily, your dentist in 43214 can help remedy your TMJ pain and alleviate your symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ

Signs and symptoms associated with TMJ include:

Pain or soreness in one or both jaw joints
Pain or tenderness in one or both ears
Difficulty biting and chewing
Facial pain and soreness
Popping or clicking of the jaw
A locked jaw
Worn teeth from grinding or clenching
Chipped or broken teeth

Often, TMJ and sleep apnea also go hand-in-hand. One may exacerbate the other, resulting in poor sleep, dental health issues, and more. However, the only way to know for certain if you have TMJ or sleep apnea disorders is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shiflett at Shiflett Family Dental in Columbus, OH.

Tired of TMJ Pain? We Can Help!

If you experience any of the above symptoms, call your emergency dentist in Columbus, OH at (614) 262-1807. Shiflett Family Dental offers various treatments for TMJ pain so you can live with a more comfortable and functional smile. Your oral health deserves the best treatment possible, and we are here to help you!

Can Clear Aligners help with TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as “TMJ,” affects many dental patients whose teeth are not properly aligned.

If you regularly experience tenderness, pain, or sensitivity in your jaw and around your lower face, you may suffer from a TMJ disorder. Often, Clear Aligners can improve TMJ symptoms and reduce the pain associated with the condition.

Although dentists don’t consider Clear Aligners a direct treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder, invisible aligner trays can help in several different ways:

Protecting your teeth from nighttime grinding and clenching: Because Clear Aligners only works when you wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day, you should be sleeping in your trays every night. Wearing your clear braces can protect your teeth against nighttime clenching and grinding, a common problem in TMJ patients.
Moving your teeth into alignment: Misaligned bites are often what lead to TMJ problems in the first place, so by treating with Clear Aligners and straightening your teeth, you automatically improve your chances of having a healthier smile. As your upper and lower tooth arches shift to where they should be, your TMJ pain should subside.

Our family dentist in Columbus, Ohio, can meet with you to discuss your TMJ symptoms and determine if Clear Aligners is the right treatment option for you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for Clear Aligners Clintonville.

Sleep Apnea and TMJ Treatment in Clintonville, OH

Man getting raedy for TMJ and Sleep Apnea Treatment TMJ pain and sleep apnea are frequently related, as explained above. At Shiflett Family Dental, we use a take-home sleep test (called a pulse oximeter) to screen for sleep apnea and its related issues.

Since identifying sleep apnea and TMJ issues is important, Clintonville, OH, dentist Dr. Shiflett offers this service for free. Using your take-home sleep test results, he can recommend the appropriate treatment. It is important to note that only a licensed physician can diagnose sleep apnea and refer you for a full sleep study and diagnosis. However, your dentist can help get you started.

The first treatment for TMJ pain in Clintonville, OH, is usually a protective guard for your teeth to wear at night. We refer to this device as a night guard or bite plane. This bite plane will prevent your teeth from touching together and allow your muscles to relax. It only takes a few quick impressions for us to make a night guard for you, so we can help you get relief in no time. This guard may also help in the treatment of nocturnal bruxism.

There are tons of appliances out there for the treatment of sleep apnea. The most effective is, without a doubt, the CPAP. Unfortunately, patients do not like them because they are bulky, uncomfortable, and loud. At Shiflett Family Dental, we can make you a custom device (called a mandibular advancement device or MAD) to open your airway and help your body get the oxygen it needs.

This device is also easier to transport if you travel. CPAP machines are typically large and cumbersome.

I Hate My CPAP: Are There Any Alternatives at Shiflett Family Dental?

Yes, there are! As mentioned above, the CPAP mask is the best treatment for sleep apnea sufferers. Regrettably, it is bulky, uncomfortable, and loud, so many patients do not wear them as they should. CPAP machines can also interrupt your partner’s sleep and disrupt intimacy.

If you cannot or will not wear your CPAP, Shiflett Family Dental has an option for you. We can make you a custom oral device that you wear at night to keep your airway open and oxygen coming into your lungs.

The compliance with wearing our devices is very high, making them more effective than CPAP in many cases. Many patients also find that traveling with a small oral appliance is much easier than a bulky CPAP, so they have one made to use on the road!

Testimonial

Maris J

The hygienists are always wonderful and do a great job with cleanings. I always feel informed on what they are doing and why. The office is clean and feels modern. Dr. Shiflett has done a great job with my nightguard and spacer and my TMJ discomfort has been very well managed! I also needed my first filling ever at Schiflett and the whole process was made far less intimidating by Dr. Shiflett and his staff. I’m really happy with this practice.

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Sleep Apnea Treatment and TMJ Disorder Therapy Near Me

We want our patients to enjoy a safe and comfortable sleep, which is why we offer these treatments. To learn more about TMJ pain relief and sleep apnea treatment in Clintonville, OH, or if you have questions for our team, call our office at (614) 968-8752.

We are happy to work with CareCredit. This is a medical and dental credit card that allows you to budget care over a predetermined period of time. Many programs even offer interest-free financing. Learn whether you qualify for CareCredit today!

BLOGS

What Is Sleep Apnea?

January 2, 2023

Sleep apnea is a sleep condition that causes you to stop breathing during the night. This can happen multiple times and can put your health at serious risk. Your Columbus, OH, dentist provides sleep apnea screening and treatment to keep you safe and help you achieve restful sleep.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Snoring is the telltale sign of sleep apnea. However, not everyone who snores has this condition. Other signs to look for include the following:

Sudden waking throughout the night
Daytime sleepiness and irritability
Waking with a dry throat
Depression and mood changes

Sleep apnea ...

Is TMJ Keeping You from Living Your Best Life?