sleep and tmj FAQs

Sleep & TMJ FAQs

Answering Frequently Asked Questions

Our team in Richmond, VA is dedicated to providing our patients with thorough, attentive care. This includes educating patients so they fully understand their condition and the treatment options available to them. We’ve outlined answers to some of our frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. Don’t see an answer to your question? Please feel free to call our office at (804) 729-3474.

FAQs About Sleep Apnea & Snoring

If you are overweight, smoke, drink or have a family member who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be at risk. Snorers, particularly those who are sleepy during the day, should undergo a sleep study. Consult your doctor or Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy for a referral to a sleep physician.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches upon waking, difficulty concentrating and mood changes.

Medical problems include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, depression, memory loss and decreased sex drive.

Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study, which may involve monitoring breathing, heart rate and other bodily functions while the person sleeps.

From start to finish, we make everything easy for you. Unlike many other providers of oral appliances, Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy handles the insurance process for you, making sure to get the best possible in-network coverage (even for out-of-network providers) for your oral appliance and treatment, as well as filing claims for you. Once treatment begins, we keep an eye on your progress and maintain close communication with your physician. We invite you to return for as many follow-up visits as you need to ensure your complete satisfaction and resolution of your obstructive sleep apnea.

CPAP is effective, but it can be messy, noisy and irritate your skin, making it a difficult therapy with which to comply. Oral appliances are much more comfortable, as well as smaller and more convenient. Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy will determine if you are a good candidate for oral appliance therapy.

Yes, snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness and morning headaches.

FAQs About TMJ Disorders

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders refer to a range of conditions that affect this joint and the surrounding muscles.

The most common symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw pain, jaw stiffness, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds when chewing or talking and headaches.

While it is often difficult to pinpoint the direct cause of TMJ disorders, they can be caused by a range of factors, including injury to the jaw, arthritis, teeth grinding or clenching, stress and poor posture.

TMJ disorders are typically diagnosed through a physical exam, including examining the jaw joint, muscles and bite. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may also be used.

Treatment options for TMJ disorders include lifestyle changes, oral appliances, physical therapy, Botox® injections and dry needling.

Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy partners with Angus Dentistry to provide comprehensive treatment for TMJ disorders. Once you request an appointment on our website, you will be contacted by Dr. Rebecca Angus’ team at Angus Dentistry for the next steps. We partner with Angus Dentistry for this service so that patients get the most out of their insurance benefits.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent TMJ disorders, certain habits can reduce the risk of developing them, such as avoiding chewing gum, maintaining good posture and practicing stress management techniques.

Yes, TMJ disorders can cause pain and discomfort that radiates to other parts of the body, such as the neck, shoulders and back. They can also cause headaches and ear pain.

Tips For Sound Sleep

How You Can Improve Your Sleep Quality

Is a sleep disorder preventing you from getting the high-quality sleep you need? Sleep disorders are common in the United States. According to the Sleep Foundation, as many as 15-30% of men and 10-30% of women have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in some form. While patients with OSA require treatment from a trusted physician to fully resolve their symptoms, there are several steps they can take to achieve sound sleep.

At Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy in Richmond, VA, we specialize in oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea and snoring. In addition to these customizable devices, we educate our patients on tips and best practices for better sleep. By combining oral appliance therapy with these best practices, our patients can expect a vast improvement in their sleep quality and overall well-being.

Sleep tips and best practices, also known as sleep hygiene, can help patients get sound sleep. These tips include:

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

  • Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool. Use comfortable pillows and a supportive mattress.

  • Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol: These substances can keep you awake and disrupt your sleep. It’s best to avoid them altogether or limit their use, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.

  • Don’t eat heavy meals before bedtime: Eating a heavy meal close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep. If you’re hungry, try a light snack instead.

  • Wind down before bedtime: Avoid stimulating activities like working or exercising right before bedtime. Instead, try reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing.

  • Limit screen time before bedtime: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s natural sleep rhythms. Try to avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime.

  • Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can make it hard to fall asleep. Try to manage stress through activities like meditation, yoga or journaling.

  • Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can make it easier for you to fall asleep.

Get Sound Sleep Every Night

If you have trouble sleeping or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or snoring, contact our trusted team at Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy. Our team is here to help you take control of your sleep health in a comfortable and calm environment. To request an appointment with our team, please call us at (804) 729-3474 or fill out our online appointment request form.