TMD and Sleep Apnea in Fairfax, VA

Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is your body's most used and complex joint system. Your jaw joint allows you to close and open your mouth, chew your food, talk, and even open wider when you laugh.

When your TMJ is unable to function correctly, it leads to a temporomandibular disorder or TMD. This condition may manifest in one or two symptoms, but it can also become quite debilitating for some people, significantly impacting their quality of life.

The good news is that your team at Tummerello & Pandak Family Dentistry in Fairfax offers solutions for TMJ problems that can reduce, minimize, and even eliminate the pain of TMD in some cases.

The Signs and Symptoms of TMD

The symptoms of TMD are unique for each person, but they could include one or more of these conditions:

  • Popping or clicking of the jaw
  • Locking of the jaw upon opening or closing
  • Tenderness or discomfort when chewing
  • Facial pain
  • Chronic headaches or migraines
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  • Bite changes

If you or a loved one is suffering from one or more of these symptoms, our dentists can help with a custom night guard that gently repositions your jaw and is comfortable to wear at night while you sleep. This can help minimize and sometimes alleviate the muscle tension causing discomfort.

A night guard is also helpful if bruxism is the cause of your TMD. Clenching and grinding your teeth typically happens at night, and a mouth guard fits comfortably over your teeth and protects them from the damage caused by bruxism.

Solutions for Sleep Apnea in Fairfax

Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that causes you to wake up multiple times through the night. This happens because of an obstructed airway. When your airway becomes obstructed, the lack of oxygen signals your brain to wake you up. In severe cases, this may happen hundreds of times throughout the night without you realizing it.

Some signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are:

  • Loud snoring
  • Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
  • Frequent headaches—especially in the morning
  • Weight gain
  • Waking up gasping or coughing
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Waking with a dry throat

If you or a loved one suffers from mild to moderate sleep apnea, our dentists may be able to help with a night guard that we design to reposition your jaw slightly, which opens your airway during sleep. Dr. Jennifer work closely with your sleep apnea physician to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your condition, whether it's mild or severe, so you can get a good night's rest. 

Family Dentistry Is Here to Help!

We’re excited to provide solutions for patients struggling with TMD or sleep apnea symptoms. If you’d like to schedule an evaluation to learn more about how we can help with either condition, we invite you to call us at (703) 691-1511 or book an appointment online.