TMJ and Airway Dentistry in San Diego

TMJ and Airway Dentistry Specialist in San Diego

Welcome to Dental Design SD, where we specialize in comprehensive and compassionate care for TMJ disorders and Airway Dentistry. Our experienced team is dedicated to improving your oral health, relieving discomfort, and enhancing your overall well-being.

Treating TMJ Disorders:

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can manifest as pain, discomfort, and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. At Dental Design SD, we understand the impact these issues can have on your daily life. Dr. Kathrina Agatep has over 15 years of professional experience and takes a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders effectively.

Diagnostic Excellence: Accurate diagnosis is the first step in developing a personalized treatment plan. Our team utilizes advanced diagnostic tools, including digital cone beam imaging and comprehensive examinations, to assess the condition of your TMJ. We take the time to listen to your concerns and thoroughly evaluate your symptoms to create a tailored plan for your unique needs.

Customized Treatment Options: Treatment for TMJ disorders varies based on the specific diagnosis and individual patient factors. We offer a range of conservative and advanced therapies, including:

• Custom oral appliances

• Physical therapy (referred)

• Medications for pain and inflammation

• Masseter injections for muscle relaxation

• Dental restorations to correct bite issues

Our goal is to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve the overall quality of life for our patients dealing with TMJ disorders.

Airway Dentistry

Airway dentistry focuses on the crucial connection between oral health and the respiratory system. At Dental Design SD, we recognize the impact that the oral cavity can have on breathing, sleep, and overall health. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive airway-focused dental care to enhance your well-being.

Understanding Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

Children's sleep-disordered breathing refers to a range of breathing difficulties that can occur during sleep, impacting the quality of rest and overall well-being in children. This condition encompasses various disorders, with the most common being snoring, sleep apnea, and mouth breathing.

During sleep, children with sleep-disordered breathing may experience interruptions in their normal breathing patterns, such as pauses in breathing or shallow breaths. These disruptions can lead to fragmented sleep, reduced oxygen intake, and potential long-term consequences for a child's health and development.

Signs of sleep-disordered breathing in children may include:

• Loud Snoring: Persistent and loud snoring is a common indicator of sleep-disordered breathing and should not be dismissed as a normal part of childhood.

• Restlessness: Children with sleep-disordered breathing may exhibit restlessness during sleep, such as frequent tossing and turning.

• Mouth Breathing: Breathing predominantly through the mouth, especially during sleep, can be a sign of underlying airway issues.

• Daytime Sleepiness: Sleep disruptions can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

• Attention and Behavioral Issues: Children with untreated sleep-disordered breathing may experience challenges with attention, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems.

• Teeth Grinding / Bruxism: If your child grinds their teeth at night, this could be an indication that their body is trying to find the right mouth position to enhance breathing. This is an unconscious response to airways disorders and is often seen in young children.

Early detection and intervention are crucial in addressing children's sleep-disordered breathing. If you notice any of these signs in your child, it is essential to consult with a dentist with knowledge of airway disorders. Our dedicated team at Dental Design SD is here to support you in identifying and addressing sleep-related breathing issues in children, promoting healthy sleep and overall well-being. Schedule a consultation with us to ensure your child's optimal growth, development, and restful sleep.

How we address Sleep Disordered Breathing

Orthodontics and Airway Development: Proper orthodontic treatment goes beyond straightening teeth; it plays a crucial role in supporting optimal airway function. Our experienced orthodontists incorporate airway considerations into treatment plans, promoting proper jaw development and alignment to enhance breathing.

Myofunctional Therapy: We offer myofunctional therapy to address oral and facial muscle dysfunction, which can impact the airway. This therapy focuses on exercises and techniques to improve tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and overall muscle function, contributing to better airway health.

At Dental Design SD, we are committed to advancing your oral health and overall well-being through specialized care for TMJ disorders and Airway Dentistry. Schedule a consultation with us today to experience personalized, comprehensive dental care tailored to your unique needs.