Adult Sleep and Pain Disorders

Sleep Apnea Symptoms for Adults

Common signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults include unexplained daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, and loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps).

Additional symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Morning headaches
• Insomnia
• Trouble concentrating
• Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety and depression
• Forgetfulness
• Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure
• Decreased sex drive
• Unexplained weight gain
• Changes in urination
• Frequent heartburn and heavy night sweats

Adults have been found to be at higher risk if they are male, obese, of an increasing age, have anatomic abnormalities of the upper airway, have a family history of sleep apnea, use alcohol or sedatives frequently, are a smoker or experience hypertension. 

Sleep Related Breathing Disorders for Adults

Once a patient has been diagnosed with a sleep apnea condition, recommendations for treatment can include behavior and lifestyle changes, oral appliance therapy (OAT) CPAP wear (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device), and surgery. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is often the option for treatment. These appliances can be very effective for patients who suffer from snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. Oral appliances may also be recommended for the severe sleep apnea patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP.

There are over 100 different appliances approved by FDA for treating sleep apnea. Although these appliances have an appearance similar to mouth guards, they are unique and require specific design, fabrication and customized fittings to achieve successful treatment results through proper positioning of the lower jaw and tongue. The doctors of TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre are specifically trained and experienced in oral appliance therapy. They utilize advanced technology and specialized equipment to measure the airway, predict improvement, and determine custom appliance designs. The doctors monitor patient care for success and efficacy in treatment results. To maintain success, the appliances require regular follow-up and monitor.

The patient considering OAT (oral appliance therapy) for sleep apnea should seek care from dentists specifically trained and experienced in dental sleep medicine and custom appliance design.

Craniofacial Pain for Adults (TMD/TMJ)

Facial pain, headaches and jaw problems are frequently only a symptom secondary to a greater problem affecting the body, much like a fever is secondary to the common flu.

Craniofacial Pain Services for Adults – may include 1 or more of the following

• Comprehensive diagnostics
• Non-surgical treatment plan for rehabilitation
• Decompression appliance therapy (short term wear of custom orthopedic oral orthotics – not splints)
• Nutritional counseling
• Medication and supplement regimens
• Physical medicine treatment (Laser therapy, trigger points, prolo therapy, phonophoresis)
• Multi-discipline Referral Coordination

Proper diagnosis and emphasis on origin rather than symptoms alone is key to successful, long term treatment results. After proper diagnosis, a specific non-surgical, treatment plan for rehabilitation is developed for the unique needs of each individual patient.