Patient Treatments

Patient Treatments 2023-01-27T15:08:34-07:00

TMD/TMJ/Orofacial Pain

Chronic pain in the head and face, as well as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD/TMJ) such as jaw pain, headaches, jaw clicking and jaw locking can be extremely debilitating. This type of pain leads to high levels of psychological and physical stress. Dr. Friesen will obtain the necessary information to come to a definitive diagnosis through a comprehensive examination. Appropriate treatment options will be customized for each patient depending on the diagnosis.

Conditions treated by Dr. Friesen:

  • Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD/TMJ)
  • Jaw muscle pain
  • Jaw joint arthritis
  • Jaw joint locking
  • Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
  • Facial nerve pain
  • Burning mouth syndrome
  • Persistent toothache (atypical facial pain, persistent idiopathic facial pain)
  • Headache

Oral Diseases and Disorders

A wide variety of oral diseases and disorders can affect basic human needs such as eating, drinking, and talking, which can have a negative impact on the overall health of the individual. Diseases may affect the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, gums, cheeks and roof of the mouth. Fortunately, Dr. Friesen can diagnosis and provide the necessary non-surgical management of many of these conditions.

Conditions treated by Dr. Friesen:

  • Oral infections
    • Thrush
    • Cold Sores
  • Salivary gland dysfunction and dry mouth
  • Abnormal sensations of the mouth
    • Burning mouth syndrome

Motor Vehicle and Injury Claims

Traumatic injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, can be both psychologically and physically damaging. It is well known, that left untreated, acute injuries can progress into chronic pain states. Once pain becomes chronic, it becomes more difficult to manage, which underpins the importance of treating any damage sustained in an injury as soon as possible.

If you are suffering from any TMJ/facial pain or dysfunction complaints sustained in a traumatic injury (motor vehicle accident, falls or other trauma) please contact Dr. Friesen as soon as possible. Early treatment will result in the best outcomes.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapses (obstructs) onto the back of the throat and partially or completely blocks the upper airway during sleep. This causes the person to stop breathing momentarily (this is called an apnea) and also restricts the flow of oxygen in the blood. Snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

Individuals with untreated obstructive sleep apnea are at risk of:

  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease and heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping or choking
  • Stop breathing during sleep
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • Non-restorative sleep

Both snoring, as well as mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with custom fitted dental appliances. Please contact the office to make an appointment to help manage this serious medical condition.

** Patients must have a sleep study prior to fabrication of an oral appliance for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Have questions for us?

    Due to increased patient care needs, Dr. Friesen is currently scheduling New Patient Jaw examinations in 9-12 months. Motor Vehicle examinations are scheduling in 8 weeks. All new patients can be added to Dr. Friesen's waitlist. For patients with urgent or acute care needs, please contact our office directly at 780.463.3616
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