Dr. Roubal's Omaha, Nebraska blog

I have a patient who is complaining of morning headaches and daytime tooth tenderness. Tooth pain down in to the gum as she describes it. The sleep apnea screening test shows this is a problem. She has refused an overnight sleep study to absolutely confirm the presence of a sleep disorder, which must be diagnosed by a physician. The headaches and tooth pain is likely from tooth clenching all night long in the body's attempt to open or stabilize the likely collapsing airway. If she refuses to be treated for her sleep issues, the treatment we will be providing will be to lesson the effects of her clenching. Unfortunately, we will not be able to totally eliminate her discomfort, but I am hoping for a great improvement in her symptoms. Sometimes, patients choose for less than optimal treatment for their own reasons.

Yours for better health, Dr. Roubal