The symptoms of TMD can significantly impact the quality of your life! Let us help you find solutions.

TMJ Treatment South Charlotte NC

Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are the most complex in the body. It’s the only joint system in your body that can move from side to side, up and down, and forward and backward.

When this system isn’t functioning properly, it causes symptoms, a condition called a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, that can significantly impact your quality of life.

The Symptoms of TMD

Several symptoms are indicative of TMD disorder, such as:

Jaw joint popping and clicking
Pain or tenderness during chewing
Neck and shoulder pain
Jaw locking open or closed
Earaches
Chronic headaches or migraines

Patients with TMD may endure one or multiple symptoms that can sometimes become debilitating.

The Causes of TMD

What causes TMD is unique for every patient, and it’s essential to get to the root cause of the problem for Dr. Shirman to make the best treatment recommendations. Some causes of TMD might be:

Stress or anxiety
Tooth clenching or grinding (bruxism) – typically at night
Bite misalignment
Trauma

For example, if bite misalignment is causing your discomfort, Dr. Shirman may recommend orthodontic treatment to correct your bite. Or if bruxism is the cause of your TMD, he may create an oral appliance you can wear at night to relax your muscles and protect your teeth from the damage caused by clenching and grinding your teeth.

TMJ and Sleep Apnea Treatment Smile Gallery

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After

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Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment in South Charlotte

Has your bed partner accused you of snoring loudly? Do you find yourself feeling exhausted during the day? Do you frequently wake up with headaches or migraines?

These are all symptoms of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. This dangerous disorder causes patients to wake during the night due to a blockage of their airways. In severe cases, they may wake hundreds of times throughout the night without even realizing it.

Dr. Shirman has the training and knowledge to help patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea get a better night’s rest, sometimes without using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which can be awkward and uncomfortable for some patients.

Instead, Dr. Shirman can create a customized oral appliance patients wear during sleep, which gently repositions their jaw and opens their airways for clear breathing.

We’re Here to Help You Live Your Best Life in South Charlotte!

If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of TMD or perhaps not getting the rest they need at night, we encourage you to contact Dental Wellness of Charlotte online or at (704) 317-7337 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Shirman.

He’ll take the time to gather information and get to the root of your problem or discomfort so we can recommend the right treatment or procedure to get you back on the path to wellness as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does oral appliance therapy work for sleep apnea?

There's nothing better than a good night's sleep; unfortunately, many people wake up feeling agitated and tired because they suffer from a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. Your South Charlotte, NC, dentist may be able to help resolve your symptoms with oral appliance therapy. Please keep reading to learn more about it.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the soft tissue in the back of your throat relaxes and obstructs your airway. This can cause the following symptoms:

Snoring
Daytime sleepiness
Multiple awakenings associated with gasping and choking
Dry mouth and sore throat
Headaches

In addition to these symptoms, sleep apnea can lead to several health issues as well.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, you may be eligible for oral appliance therapy. We can customize a device that prevents your tongue from blocking the back of your throat or moving your lower jaw forward. Either way, your airway will be open while you sleep, allowing you to get the rest you deserve.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Weddington

We'd be happy to assist you if you want to discuss your oral appliance therapy options with our dental team! At Dental Wellness of Charlotte, we want you to get the sleep you need. Contact our dental office at (704) 317-7337 for more information.

What are some sleep apnea symptoms?

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Recognizing its symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Chronic (and loud) snoring
Gasping for air during sleep
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Morning headaches
Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability

Beyond these primary symptoms, sleep apnea can also cause restless sleep and frequent awakenings during the night. Sleep apnea is also commonly associated with other health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

How Your Dentist Helps Treat Sleep Apnea

One of the most common treatments involves a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which keeps the airways open by providing a constant stream of air through a mask worn during sleep. Dental devices and oral appliances, like snore guards, can also be custom-fitted to help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw and tongue.

In some cases, lifestyle changes, like losing weight, quitting smoking, and trying to adopt a new sleep position, are recommended to alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, surgery to remove or shrink tissue obstructing the airway may be recommended.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Weddington and South Charlotte, NC

If you’re exhibiting sleep apnea symptoms and want to discuss your treatment options with a top-quality dental practice in Weddington, contact dentist Dr. Sergei Shirman and the excellent Dental Wellness of Charlotte team to schedule a consultation!

Our Team

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Dr. Sergei Shirman DMD

Dr. Sergei Shirman developed a passion for dentistry at the age of twelve, combining his artistic interests with his medical aspirations. He attributes his appreciation for the artistry of dentistry to one of the most fulfilling aspects of his profession.

Dr. Shirman earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Cleveland State University. During his undergraduate studies, he actively participated in a genetic research project that was subsequently published in a scientific journal. He graduated from Case Western Reserve ...

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