Committed to Your Oral Health Needs

TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy in Ottawa

Dr. Sherif Elsaraj offers treatment for TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders and sleep-related disorders including snoring and sleep apnea. 

Our dental clinic is dedicated to helping to improve the condition of children and adults suffering from craniofacial pain and sleep apnea and alleviate the effect that these conditions may have on their quality of life. 

• What is a TMJ/TMD-related pain disorder?

  The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. It allows you to move your jaw side-to-side and up and down so you can speak and eat.
  
  TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders occur when there are issues with the jaw and the muscles in your face that cause symptoms including jaw pain, headaches and ringing in the ears. If left untreated, these issues can lead to chronic pain, bone loss, changes in gum tissue and loose teeth. 
  
  Often caused by misalignment of the teeth and/or jaw, other factors that may contribute to TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders include skull shape, genetics, airway issues and injury or trauma to the jaw. 

• What are common symptoms of TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders?

  Because your compromised jaw muscles have to work extra hard to do their job, TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders can cause a host of painful symptoms.

  Common symptoms include:

  • Headaches and migraines
  • Teeth grinding (usually during sleep)
  • Jaw, face and/or neck pain
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness
• What is sleep apnea?

  Sleep apnea is when your tongue, soft palate and throat tissues over-relax. This relaxation causes them to collapse into the back of the throat, obstructing the airway. When oxygen flow stops, the brain is forced awake to consciously resume breathing.
  
  These episodes can occur hundreds of times in a night, preventing you from falling into the deep, restorative sleep needed to recharge your brain and body.

• What are the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?

  If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have sleep apnea:

  • Trouble focusing
  • Heavy snoring
  • Headaches & migraines
  • Fatigue
  • Restless sleep
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • TMJ symptoms
• How can TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders and sleep-related disorders be treated?

  At Ottawa TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy, we use current technology and provide non-surgical therapies and treatment options.

  We have developed a process for the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial pain (TMJ pain, headaches, facial pain) and the treatment of sleep-related disorders (sleep apnea, snoring) without the need for surgery.

  As part of your TMD treatment, we may recommend Botox® or SphenoCath® injections to help reduce pain caused by TMD. Your dentist can work with you to find the best treatment for your situation.