Top Topics
Whatever the problem is, should I experience pain in the jaw and ear as now it's hurting on the other side. At first, it was the right ear and jaw; now it's the left ear and jaw. This is after tweaks on the device and an acrylic piece added to the upper front part. Am I not destined to wear the oral appliance? It's very disheartening.
I don't have a history of sleep crunching or TMD. I think my problem is due more to an improper bite impression. My dentist is working on the appliance to rectify the bite issue. The pain in my jaw and ear have subsided since he has 'tweaked' the device, but it hasn't totally gone away.
Thank you for your note!!! :)
Hi Dr. Tony, I have moderate sleep apnea. I tried using a CPAP but found it quite uncomfortable, so decided to try an oral appliance (the Herbst device). At first, I had no problems, but after a week or so, I started getting jaw, ear and throat pain after taking the device out in the mornings. My sleep dentist has tried several things on the device so that it would not cause the pain, but the pain continued each morning and got progressively worse. I decided not to wear it until the pain subsides, as it still has lingered on for quite a while. I really would like to use the device, but the pain in my ear, jaw and throat make it unbearable. Any help you can offer would be much appreciative.
I could not use the CPAP machine, so instead am trying the Herbst oral appliance. I like the concept of the device, unlike that of the CPAP machine with the tubing, etc. However, after a while, and after taking the device out of my mouth in the morning, my jaw, ear and throat were hurting. So, my dentist tried several tweakings of the device, but to no avail, as I'm still having ear and jaw pain. I've stopped using the device temporarily hoping that the ear pain will go away, but so far it's still there. Has anyone had a problem similar to that of mine, and if so, what did you finally do? I am so disappointed as I had hoped this would help with my moderate sleep apnea....
Thanks for your thoughts.
I don't know the name of the oral appliance I have. My problem isn't pain or discomfort. For some reason, I just can't sleep. I am allergic to nickel, and I am wondering if it is made with it, which may be the culprit, although if it is, so far it hasn't irritated my mouth. But as you say, 3 days isn't enough time anyway. Still, being awake for 3 nights does not make a happy or healthy person!!
I wasn't able to use a CPAP as I found it very uncomfortable, so I decided to try the oral appliance. I am now on Day 3 of it, and although it's not uncomfortable to sleep with, I find myself unable to sleep. If I do fall asleep, I wake up constantly throughout the night. Is this because I have to 'get used to it?' As I mentioned, it's not because it's uncomfortable or that it hurts. I am so tired from not being able to sleep. I would very much like for the oral appliance to work, but am concerned about my not being able to sleep in the long term wearing it.
