Lower Jaw moving backwards when sleeping
Starting last week I notice when I fall asleep and as my muscles relax I felt like my throat was being pushed in. Last night I just noticed its not my throat and its my I think lower jaw. It seems to move slowly backwards. I'm having a hard time sleeping. 2-3 hours at best before waking up. Everytime I swallow it seems to adjust my jaw back up. I think anyways lol. Do I need surgery?
Do you want to answer this question? Login or register now to answer this question.
Answer: Occlusal guard
By Sarah h
Dental Professional
It is normal for your jaw to relax when you are in a sleeping state, however if it is causing discomfort you may need a night time appliance. An occlusal guard which is custom fabricated can keep your jaw in a slightly open position and will prevent your jaw from shifting while you sleep as well as keep you from grinding or clenching your teeth. The procedure is simple and only requires a full arch impression of your teeth (can be upper or lower) along with a bite registration. This is the most conservative treatment and will hopefully allow you to feel more comfortable. Surgery is not usually required as it is a normal function for the jaw to shift when we are in our most relaxed state of sleep. Your general dentist can fabricate the appliance for you if necessary.
More Questions from Dental Surgery
Is the a dry socket or normal healing?
got pulled 3 days ago curious whether or not it’s a dry socket isn’t into much pain I would really appreciate if someone would answer. feels normal just wondering has stitches around it. not to deep of a hole.
will my bone graft surgery help minimize my periodontal pocket?
I have a tooth that is coming out, my dentist said he will be doing a deep cleaning, a sinus lift and bone graft before he places an implant and crown. I noticed that there is spacing in that tooth and the one next to it, will the bone graft and...
Is this an infection?
I just had all 4 wisdom teeth removed 3 days ago and this is on the bottom left side and I can’t tell what it is. It is only on the left bottom side and from trying to look it up on the internet I can’t tell if it’s an infection or not.
Jaw Bone Showing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Hello! One week ago I have two wisdom teeth removed, both being on the same side of my mouth. I had an infection on my bottom wisdom tooth and was given antibiotics prior to the extraction. Since the surgery, I have had dull pain from that one...
Do I need a biopsy? Is this a mucucele?
See pics please. This is soft to the touch. Been there a few years. I thought is was a blocked saliva duct but now it has the dark area beneath it which is new. Of note. About 6 years ago a general dentist said to keep an eye on it for any...
Why Am I Missing Roots on My Wisdom Teeth?
I'm having my wisdom teeth taken out soon. I was told that none of the four wisdom teeth have roots. I even saw the x rays, and it just looked like the top of a normal molar. They have not broken through the gums yet, but they felt I needed them out...
Help! Might need wisdom teeth removal during coronavirus.
Hello so I have had jaw pain and my wisdom teeth have needed to be removed. What should I do, all oral surgeons are closed due to COVID-19. Help please I am very nervous! My jaw seems a little swollen and I am worried it might spread!
Impacted Canines
What is the procedure for impacted Canines that are at the top only for both canines and they are in the top of the gums on the outside (not in palette). I have an X-ray. ITS FOR MY DAUGHTER... 12 years old and 2 months.
Wisdom Tooth Removal, Infection?
I got my wisdom teeth removed on January 8th (it is now Jan 23) and I'm not sure if I'm healing properly. I am unable to visit my oral surgeon again, as I attend school out of state from where I had the procedure otherwise I would go in for a quick...
Underbite Worsening with Age and Correction Options
I had an underbite that orthodontists originally expected to correct itself. I got braces in 4th grade (about 9-10 years old) to correct a large gap due to two missing teeth (genetic, not caused by trauma) and then the orthodontist added a palette...