TMJ Sleep Therapy

    For Patients

    Understanding TMJ Related Sleep Disorders

    Sleep is an essential component of overall well-being, impacting various aspects of our health and daily life. Sleep disorders, such as snoring, upper airway resistance, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can disrupt our sleep patterns and have far-reaching consequences. When you suffer from TMJ, sleeping generally becomes a frustrating issue. The TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans is committed to helping our patients better understand and manage sleep disorders.

    Key Points About Sleep Disorders:

    • Types of Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders encompass a range of conditions, including snoring, upper airway resistance, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These disorders often involve interruptions in normal breathing patterns during sleep.

    • Impact on Health: Untreated sleep disorders can have significant health implications, affecting cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. They can lead to daytime fatigue, mood disturbances, and an increased risk of medical conditions.

    • Common Symptoms: Symptoms of sleep disorders vary but may include loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, morning headaches, difficulty staying asleep, and excessive daytime fatigue.

    • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA is a severe form of sleep-disordered breathing. It is characterized by recurrent interruptions in breathing caused by the relaxation of the upper airway muscles during sleep. OSA can have severe health consequences and requires timely intervention.

    • Risk Factors: Various factors, including obesity, age, genetics, and lifestyle choices, can contribute to the development of sleep disorders.

    • Diagnosis and Treatment: Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective management. Treatment options range from lifestyle modifications and positional therapy to the use of oral appliances and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the sleep disorder.

    Our Commitment to Quality Care:

    At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we are dedicated to helping our patients address sleep disorders effectively. Our team, led by Dr. Billings, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related issues, providing personalized care to suit each patient’s unique needs.

    We encourage individuals experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders, or those seeking information about sleep health, to contact us. We are here to provide support, offer accurate diagnoses, and develop tailored treatment plans to help our patients enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep, and ultimately improve their overall health and quality of life.

    TMJ Sleep-Breathing Disorders

    Learn more about what our patients have to say

    about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans

    Very Rev. Philip G. Landry

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Having been diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2003, I was fitted for a head-gear breathing apparatus to alleviate the condition. After struggling with discomfort and lack of sleep, I discontinued use of the device. During a visit to my cardiologist in 2017, I was ordered to take another sleep test which revealed that the condition had reached a dangerous level and that it must be addressed immediately. I shared with Dr. G. Johnson my concerns from the past and he informed me that a new mouth piece for this sleep disorder was available and referred me to Dr. Terry Billings, DDS.

    I contacted Dr. Billings and during my first appointment with him, after a series of tests, he determined that I had another condition, TMJ, which would have to be treated before addressing the sleep disorder. He explained to me that I would have to wear mouthpieces, one by day and one by night, for twelve weeks to correct this issue. My instant reaction was that as a Catholic priest serving as the rector of the St. Louis Cathedral, I often celebrate televised Masses during which a mouthpiece would certainly be a deterrent. Dr. Billings patiently and understandingly explained that I really had no option but assured me that he would be able to make weekly adjustments to the mouthpieces that would help with these concerns.

    Now as I approach the final weeks of this treatment, I am pleased to share that I have been most satisfied with the care and attention of both Dr. Billings and his staff. The level of professionalism and proficiency which I have experienced in the weekly office visits have made a challenging issue bearable. It is amazing to me what the treatment of the TMJ has done for my overall health and well-being and as I now await the mouthpiece to address my sleep disorder I am most grateful to Dr. Billings for his diagnosis and excellent treatment during this period of preparation for it.

    Arden Ballard, PA-C, MS

    5.0 ★★★★★

    You don’t hear that often about a dentist, but his attention to detail, meticulous examination and in-office testing led to uncovering a severely deviated septum that needed prompt surgical intervention. I’m forever grateful for him and his entire staff.

    Dr. Billings noticed that I checked yes to a few items on his questionnaire. When he began asking about my fatigue, sluggish feeling, etc. I blamed it on the kids and being a parent of two young boys. After his dental exam, he insisted that there could be more to my symptoms. After a chat, we decided to do an in-office Facial CT scan. It’s been 4 years since I had one, so I agreed. Everything was promptly scheduled, and their text reminders kept me on schedule.

    I did the CT scan, and Dr. Billings pointed out my severely deviated septum and recommended I get a prompt ENT evaluation. I brought a printout of the CT to my next appointment, and I ended up having sinus surgery 3 weeks later.

    Immediately after surgery, I knew something was different. After healing, I was sleeping better, breathing better and, sure enough, less sluggish and not reaching for my 3pm coffee. All from going to the dentist.

    My teeth look great, too!

    Dr. Billings has opened my eyes to understand that dentists are part of the entire medical team, and when using their training to the fullest, they can change lives.