What To Expect During Your Initial Consultation
Dr. Simmons is an American Dental Association recognized specialist in orofacial pain and has a Masters in sleep medicine double board credentialed in both orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine by the two leading internationally recognized credentialing organizations in these two fields of study, you can expect your evaluation to be very thorough.
Whether you were referred to our office to address your TMJ pain or for sleep apnea, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. We understand the dreadful effects of a poor night’s sleep and painful mornings and we want to help you on your journey to recovery.
Dr.Simmons will patiently listen to all of your symptoms and concerns so he can create a customized treatment plan to suit your needs. When treating TMJ pain and Sleep Apnea, Dr. Simmons will provide various treatment options so you can decide what’s best for you.
He may also recommend certain lifestyle modifications that are proven to help with your symptoms so you’ll have a well-rounded treatment plan.
Sleep Apnea Examination
After you discuss your symptoms, Dr. Simmons will examine your head and neck function, the roof of your mouth, throat, tongue, neck, posture, body mass, and your nasal septum to look for any areas that may cause an airway obstruction.
If we’re your first stop on your sleep apnea journey, Dr. Simmons may recommend a sleep study for a clear diagnosis. This will provide more detailed information about the severity of the disorder so he can determine the most beneficial treatments to meet your individual needs.
After you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Simmons will review the diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan that will provide the relief you need. He’ll explain our treatment options and recommend the use of a customized oral device to help treat your sleep apnea. This intraoral appliance works by gently shifting your jaw forward to keep your airway open, helping to prevent sleep apnea events.
After you’ve worn your appliance for a while, you can schedule a follow-up visit to see how you’re progressing with your treatment plan. During these visits, Dr. Simmons may suggest trying new techniques or altering previous ones so you can enjoy the benefits of a good night’s rest.
TMJ Disorder Examination
Living with TMJ disorder (TMD) can feel like an endless cycle of pain. Dr. Simmons will listen to your symptoms and perform an extensive oral examination to look for signs of TMD and orofacial pain. This includes neurologic screening, examining head and neck function, observing your mouth, cheeks, and gums. Dr. Simmons will also examine your teeth to see if they’re worn down, assess the range of motion of your jaw, and palpate the muscles of your face, jaw, and neck to look for areas of tension.
If Dr. Simmons determines that you have TMD or orofacial pain disorder, he may recommend customized oral appliance therapy along with other physical interventions such as LASER, nerve blocks, trigger point injections, exercise routines and more to help reduce your symptoms.
This oral appliance works by evenly distributing the pressure caused by teeth grinding, helping to eliminate the pain and long-term consequences associated with TMJ disorder.
Dr. Simmons will also discuss lifestyle modifications that will complement the device such as avoiding certain foods, ways to reduce stress and relieve the pain, and other treatment options that will benefit you the most.
A Pain-Free, Good Night’s Rest Starts Here
When you experience the dreadful symptoms associated with TMD, orofacial pain, and sleep problems such as sleep apnea, it can be hard to enjoy your life. Thankfully, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and it starts with visiting Dr. Simmons. Schedule your consultation today by calling (818) 300-0070.
