TMD Oral Appliance Therapy
Dr. Leigh Bennett provides oral appliance therapy (OAT) for treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD) at the Hartley Bridge TMJ & Dental Sleep Center.
TMD refers to a complex group of conditions related to disease, inflammation, displacement or traumatic injury of the temporomandibular joint of the jaw (TMJ). TMD has a long list of symptoms, including jaw pain, facial muscle pain, restricted jaw opening or closing, migraine headaches, or pain in the neck and shoulders.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
Macon dentist Dr. Leigh Bennett evaluates TMJ function during routine dental examinations. If the patient is experiencing signs and symptoms of TMD, Dr. Bennett will review radiographic images to assess the health of the TMJ and recommend a course of treatment. If TMD is suspected to be the result of a medical issue such as arthritis or an autoimmune illness, Dr. Bennett may refer the patient to their primary care physician for evaluation. Learn more about symptoms of TMJ disorders.
Oral appliance therapy is a common treatment option for TMD. The goal of oral appliance therapy is to stabilize the temporomandibular joint in the proper position to create the opportunity for the soft tissues, tendons and facial muscles of the TMJ to heal and return to pain-free normal function.
Also called a stabilization splint, a TMD oral appliance is a removable mouth tray made of hard plastic that fits over the upper or lower teeth. The splint separates the teeth to reduce the strain and pressure of biting, chewing or teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching on the joint.
Dr. Bennett will recommend that the TMD splint be worn during sleep or throughout the day, depending on the patient's pain level and the extent of needed improvement.
Oral Appliance Therapy for combined TMD and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Some patients are diagnosed with a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and TMJ dysfunction (this is not uncommon as the conditions are sometimes related). In these cases, prevention of airway obstruction during sleep, along with jaw joint therapy or bruxism relief is needed. Dr. Bennett can design an oral sleep appliance to hold the jaw in the proper position during sleep to keep the airway open as well as provide protection for the teeth and jaw joints.
Hartley Bridge TMJ & Dental Sleep Center
TMJ and sleep dentist Dr. Leigh Bennett has dedicated our Macon healthcare facility to serve patients struggling with TMD and CPAP intolerance. We invite you to Contact our TMJ & Sleep Center Team if you have questions about oral appliance therapy.