It may be surprising to some, but did you know your dentist can actually help with snoring and sleep apnea? The dentist is able to prescribe and fit you for a special oral appliance that can assist with proper airflow throughout the night. Here is what you should know about these devices.
Obstructive sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for at least 10 seconds in your sleep on a regular basis. The severity of sleep apnea depends on how often you stop breathing in the duration of an hour. Snoring can be a sign of partial sleep apnea; so are gasps and chokes when breathing is resumed. The cessation of breath is due to the muscles in the throat and mouth relaxing to the point where they restrict the airway. Along with constant fatigue from a lack of proper sleep, sleep apnea can lead to long-term complications such as cardiac issues and strokes.
The purpose of oral appliances is to help prevent sleep apnea through placement in the mouth. Thanks to mandibular advancement devices and tongue retaining mouthpieces, oral appliances are a step down from having to use advanced equipment to treat sleep apnea. Wearing an oral appliance for many is an easy transition to make. It is customized for your mouth specifically so it fits snugly and securely. As a result, you can simply slip it into place when you go to sleep. It remains in place inside of your mouth and does an excellent job of holding your lower jaw in a forward position. This helps prevent your tongue from falling backward and keeps your airway open. Some people receive all of the benefits they need by wearing an oral appliance, while those with severe sleep apnea may require the use of a CPAP machine.
The oral appliances used to treat sleep apnea do have some drawbacks and possible complications that need to be watched for and discussed with your dentist before using the appliance. They include the following:
Oral appliances require a custom fitting in order to be effective for sleep apnea treatment, but they are generally simple and effective devices. Visits with your dentist for any fitting changes as well as monitoring the effectiveness of your oral appliance can help you find the right fit to aid you in your sleep therapy. You do not need to suffer through sleep apnea or excessive snoring when your dentist can help you with a simple device. Advice from a certified sleep physician is also an integral part of evaluating individual needs and all severe categories of apnea need to seek a physician's opinion on options for treatment.
To learn more about sleep apnea or discuss your oral health in general, call (303) 481-0565 and schedule an appointment with our Highlands Ranch dental office. At Colorado Precision Dentistry, we are happy to discuss your health challenges and make recommendations, even if we have to refer you to a specialist for treatment. We always have your best interests in mind.
Q. Is sleep apnea a sleep disorder?
Q. What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?