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http://tmjtherapycentre.com

TMJ/SLEEP THERAPY

The Temporal Mandibular Joint is the most unique joint in the body for 3 different reasons:

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  1. Two joints are connected by one bone. One jaw joint can greatly affect the function of the other. The joints often differ in shape, size and function. In fact it is common to have a problem with one joint and have the other joint be the one that is feeling the symptoms.
     

  2. The function of the jaw joint is determined by the teeth. The brain gives priority to the teeth and will posture the joint abnormally to accommodate for the teeth to close together, as is in chewing. This abnormal position over time can strain the muscles of the face, causing them to become painful.
     

  3. The TMJ is considered both a hinge joint and a sliding joint. The mandible rests in the condylar fossa, a concave depression in the temporal bone. There is connective tissue between the mandibular condyle and the fossa that moves with the cushiony disc forwards, backwards and sideways. The disc is its own structure and can move independently, sometimes becoming displaced. This displacement causes abnormal function, inflammation and eventually pain.

 

These three specific characteristics make the TMJ one of the hardest joints in the body to treat. Dr. McGregor has both board certification and many years of experience treating this complex joint.

Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction commonly called TMD, is a real condition caused by disturbances in the action of the jaw.

 

At the Lyndhurst Dental Centre we believe every patient who joins our practice should have a screening for jaw problems and sleep disordered breathing included in their initial dental exam. We have a whole body approach to dentistry. Jaw problems are usually a symptom of much more serious underlying health problems, it is important for patients to be aware of any dysfunction of the joint.

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Services

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Some symptoms of dysfunction can include:

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Neck, shoulder Pain

  • Worn or cracked teeth

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Earaches or ringing

  • Limited mouth opening

  • Locking jaw

  • Sore facial muscles (TMJ & Sleep Picture)

  • Sensitive teeth

  • Jaw pain or soreness

  • Clicking or popping of the jaw joint

  • Blurred vision

 

We use Joint Vibration Analysis which is a 2-3 minute Biometric evaluation of the joint while it is in motion. Dr. McGregor analyses the results and reviews them with the patient at their exam.

 

Some of the causes of TMD include:

  • Motor vehicle accidents

  • Orthodontics

  • Clenching or grinding of the teeth

  • Stress

  • Whiplash

  • Changes in the way the teeth bite together

  • Difficult tooth extractions

  • Opening too wide (Over stretched ligaments)

  • Poor head posture

  • Systemic diseases such as arthritis & lupus

  • Viral Infections such as mononucleosis, mumps or measles

  • Compromised Airway

  • Structural imbalances in other areas of the body

 

 

Sleep

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) has proven to be very successful in the management of snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

 

Oral appliances can also be worn in combination with CPAP to improve effectiveness and can be used by persons who have tried CPAP but cannot wear for a variety of reasons. In general these appliances are worn during sleep to prevent the soft tissues of the tongue & throat from collapsing and obstructing the airway.

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There are over 100 different FDA approved oral appliances for sleep apnea!

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Dr. McGregor is Board Certified in Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine and can determine the appropriate appliance, as well as deliver and fit appliances for the patient. She works in collaboration with physicians at the Sleep Labs.


 

Is your child a suspect for sleep breathing disorders or apnea?

 

Common signs include:

  • sleep in an abnormal position with their head either off the bed or propped up with pillows

  • sleep with mouth open

  • snore loudly and often

  • stop breathing during the night for 10-20 seconds followed by choking, gasping, waking up

  • sweat heavily during sleep

  • sleep restlessly

  • wet the bed

  • have difficulty waking up even though they slept long enough

  • have headaches during the day particularly in the morning

  • become irritable, aggressive or cranky

  • fall asleep or daydream at school or at home

  • have school related or other behavioral problems

  • have an Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD)

 

Benefits of early evaluation and treatment of TMD & Breathing Disorders include:

  • healthy and functional jaw joints

  • improved sleep and daytime attentiveness

  • improved airway for life

  • reduced incidence of headaches, earaches and speech impediments

  • effective chewing and swallowing for nutrition

  • improved cardiovascular system

  • pleasing facial profiles

  • confidence and improved self esteem

 

The proper development of your child’s facial and oral structure during their formative years will support them for life.  For the sake of your child, take a preventive approach and have them evaluated from an early age on a regular basis.

 

The TMJ/Sleep Therapy Centre of Eastern Ontario openly accepts self-referrals, directly from patients.

 

No medical doctor or dentist required!

 

During the first appointment we will identify signs and symptoms of TMD and sleep disordered breathing, record anatomical findings and evaluate the function of the joints in motion.

 

We use the most current technology to evaluate what is happening inside the joint.  We don’t guess, we measure.

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After a thorough examination Dr. McGregor discusses her findings with the patient, a formal diagnosis is provided and treatment options are presented.

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