Millions of people all over the world live with sleep apnea, however, a good number of those are yet undiagnosed. Most people would probably think of a sleep clinic first for diagnosis and treatment, but the general dentist is sometimes the first professional to discover signs of the condition. They also provide options to ease the condition. Continue reading to discover the link between sleep apnea and your general dentist.
Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep condition that causes breathing to cease at different points throughout a sleep cycle. The condition can be obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent type, in which the soft tissues in the airways collapse during sleep, causing breathing interruptions. The collapse stops oxygen from going through the air passages into the lungs.
With central sleep apnea, the brain stops sending signals required to maintain breathing during sleep. There is no physical disturbance in the airways, although the body will react like there was an interruption.
Both forms of sleep apnea disrupt sleep patterns. Patients living with untreated or undiagnosed sleep apnea will usually wake up feeling tired and exhausted. Without treatment, sleep apnea has short and long term consequences on physical and mental health.
The general dentist can be an excellent partner in the treatment of sleep apnea. After a diagnosis, a dental appointment can help patients discover treatment options for the condition. The dental professional will usually recommend the use of oral appliances. The devices ease symptoms with patients who have mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are the most common oral appliances. The devices look similar to mouthguards and shift the lower jaw forward. At this position, the muscles that collapse during sleep tighten and do not fall, so the airways stay open. Gradually, the device can strengthen the airway to reduce or even stop sleep apnea completely. The devices are sometimes adjustable so that the patient can adjust the position of the jaw.
The dentist will assess the patient’s oral cavity to know if they are eligible for the device. If so, they will create models or impressions of the teeth so that a fitting oral device can be created. A precise fit is crucial since a wrong-fitting device can contribute to jaw damage. Patients will wear the device during the night to relieve sleep apnea symptoms.
Tongue-retaining devices are another option, though less common. They hold the person’s tongue in a forward position to ensure the airway stays open during sleep. They can be used for those who cannot get the MAD.
The dentist will work closely with the patient to ensure the oral device is effective and improving the symptoms. Initially, the device may be uncomfortable, but adjustment occurs within a few days. With consistency and regular monitoring, patients with sleep apnea can get the best results and sleep better at night. If you have received a diagnosis and want to learn more about your treatment options, book an appointment with the general dentist for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://copdo.com or call Colorado Precision Dentistry at (303) 481-0565 for an appointment in our Highlands Ranch office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Sleep Apnea in Highlands Ranch, CO.
There are several treatment options available for patients with sleep apnea. For some, CPAP machines may be an ideal solution, although more patients are using dental appliances in place of their CPAP machines. The following is a review of available treatment options for sleep apnea and how to choose the one that works best. Two common…
Individuals that have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea may be considering all of the different options for treatment in order to get a restful night of sleep. While one may feel like a cumbersome sleep machine, such as a bi-PAP or CPAP, is the only option, there may be some less invasive options that…
Sleep apnea makes it difficult to stay asleep throughout the night and often leads to fatigue during the day, along with other negative health consequences. Fortunately, there is an effective way to treat sleep apnea with oral appliance treatment. This is a collection of common questions about oral appliance treatment for sleep apnea and their…
Sleep apnea and dentistry have a lot of crossover that many are surprised to hear. The oral cavity is often what causes sleep apnea, which makes a dentist an expert at detecting, diagnosing and treating this common condition. Without treatment, patients are at risk of loss of oxygen and long-term damage to the oral cavity.…
A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more…
Cosmetic surgeons use dermal fillers to smoothen fine lines and even add youthful volume to…
Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…
A person’s smile comprises many parts, each contributing to the overall aesthetic, including teeth alignment,…
There are several treatment options available for patients with sleep apnea. The following is a…
Learn how composite bonding can be used during your smile makeover to enhance your smile.…
