Sleep disorders cause all sorts of problems, and are more common than most people realize. Dr. Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, at Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville has answers to some of the questions that come up about the conditions preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Question: Are there places in Clarksville that help with TMJ issues?
Answer: Yes! Why travel to Nashville and deal with the traffic and headaches when you have the option of Dental Sleep & TMJ Solutions of Clarksville in your hometown. Our office is networked with the best healthcare providers in town to provide services for TMJ disorders as well as treatment options for sleep apnea. We have the credentials and the relationships to help provide our patients better sleep and relief from TMJ pain and dysfunction.
When it comes to TMJ pain and dysfunction, we offer a variety of services. It is important to first determine what is going on. TMJ disorders can be confusing often making patients feel a bit NUTS (Not Understanding Their Symptoms) with so many structures closely associated with the jaw joints and so many symptoms that overlap. Once we have determined a good working cause and association, we get to work on finding solutions to the issue. We rule out other causes first such as possibly a tooth-related problem, ear issue and even a sleep-related issue that could be contributing to jaw pain and discomfort. Once we determine it is a jaw issue, we can provide traditional splint, or orthotic, therapy as well as cutting edge regenerative treatments.
Regenerative TMD services with PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) treatment allow use of the body’s own properties to promote healing and regeneration in the temporomandibular joint and associated tissues. In conjunction with traditional splint therapy, this allows trained practitioners to assist patients in managing symptoms and promoting tissue repair. Regenerative TMJ has been truly a game changer! Because we are using the patient’s own body, there are few potential side effects. With PRF treatment, blood is drawn from the patient and then spun in a centrifuge in a specific way to isolate the healing properties. Those healing factors are then drawn out of the file and injected into the jaw joint. The injection is not painful, but only slightly uncomfortable. The area is sprayed with an intense cold spray prior to minimize the discomfort. The patient is provided with a custom orthotic to use to unload the joint while in function and provide a neutral resting position. This is performed a few more times over the course of three to four months. Treatment typically includes a referral to physical therapists who have a certificate in TMJ; PT allows for additional relief of muscle tension.
Night splints, or orthotics, are a must in treating TMJ issues because when sleeping we have little awareness of the function of our jaw and related structures. Grinding and clenching due to the daily stresses and/or possible sleep apnea can cause microtrauma to the joint. The design of these splints varies based on what is being treated.
Keeping appointments with the practitioner for follow-up, splint adjustment and scheduled treatments is vital in reducing TMJ pain and restoring function. Our office is patient focused and treats each patient as an individual with a unique history of contributing factors. We work closely with local area medical and dental providers to help focus optimal treatment. We are here to help, and we can help with these new developed treatments and use of PRF.
Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. For more, visit the Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville website or call 931-645-8000.