Whether you are utilizing oral appliance therapy for the treatment of TMD or sleep apnea, it is important to understand there can be side effects associated with your treatment. As you know, many treatments have side effects and so does oral appliance therapy. However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid treatment or stop completely. Let’s take a look at the side effects and how you can overcome them.
What are the side effects?
The use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of sleep apnea or TMD may cause some side effects. While many of these side effects are only short term, it is important to understand what might occur. Some possible side effects might include:
- Excessive salivation.
- Dry mouth.
- Tooth and jaw discomfort.
- Temporary bite changes.
Are there other complications?
Additionally, some people do run the risk of developing further complications with oral appliance therapy. When this occurs, it is important to visit your dentist to readjust and alter your treatment. Some patients might experience potential complications such as:
- Jaw pain.
- Permanent changes to your bite.
- TMD symptoms.
These complications are often recognized and managed by dentists trained in dental sleep medicine. Don’t ignore any complications you experience. Instead, contact your dentist for further guidance and information.
Contact Dr. Sara at AZ Sleep & TMJ Solutions in North Scottsdale for more information on oral appliance therapy and what you can expect.