How Dentists Help Treat Sleep Apnea Effectively
Sleep apnea is a serious issue that can affect the health and quality of life of those who suffer from it. Millions of Americans suffer from this medical condition, and the best place to go if you suspect you have sleep apnea is your dentist. As oral care experts, dentists can effectively treat sleep apnea and give those who suffer from it the relief they need.
In this post, we will discuss symptoms of sleep apnea, how it is a dental issue, and how a dentist may treat this condition.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects an estimated 22 million Americans.
Some sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Excessive sleepiness or exhaustion during the day
- Increased irritability
- Problems focusing when awake
Sleep apnea can have serious health implications if left untreated, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms. If you have noticed any of these symptoms, you need to consult your dentist as soon as possible.
How is Sleep Apnea a Dental Issue?
Sleep apnea is caused by the obstruction or partial blockage of the airway during sleep, which can lead to a lack of oxygen flow to the body. The obstruction can occur due to several reasons, such as the relaxation of the throat muscles, the position of the jaw, or excessive tissue in the throat. Consequently, this results in difficulties in breathing, snoring, and interrupted sleep patterns.
As the airway becomes obstructed, the lack of oxygen flow becomes a major health concern. General dentists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. They are experts on treating issues with the mouth and throat and can often provide a more accurate assessment of what is causing your sleep apnea.
A dentist may recommend a few different courses of treatment, to combat sleep apnea.
How Does a Dentist Help with Sleep Apnea?
There are a few different courses a dentist may recommend when treating obstructive sleep apnea. At Kings Dental, we recommend treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or oral appliance therapy. In more severe cases we may recommend a procedure to remove excess tissue in the throat or a procedure to reposition the jaw.
Below are some of the steps a dentist may take to diagnose you.
Sleep Studies
The first step in addressing sleep apnea is proper diagnosis. Dentists often refer patients for sleep studies and pharyngometer tests. Sleep studies involve monitoring the patient's breathing patterns, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep to determine the severity of the condition. Pharyngometer tests measure the dimensions of the airway to identify any obstructions.
Diagnosis
Once your sleep study results come back, your dentist may diagnose you with sleep apnea. Depending on what type of obstructive sleep apnea you have, your dentist may suggest a few different treatments.
Oral Appliance Therapy
One option for sleep apnea treatment is the use of a dental device customized to your mouth and throat. Known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) oral appliances are often an effective treatment for moderate sleep apnea.
Firstly, the dentist takes impressions of the patient's teeth to create a mold. This mold is then sent to a dental laboratory, where the oral appliance is fabricated. The device is designed to adjust the position of the lower jaw, tongue, and soft tissues to improve airflow during sleep. By keeping the airway open, the oral appliance helps to reduce snoring and episodes of apnea.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
In severe cases or when oral appliances are not effective, dentists may recommend using a CPAP device. This involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep, which delivers a constant stream of air to keep the airway open.
CPAPs are an effective treatment option that provides quality sleep. However, they can be difficult for some lifestyles as they produce a regular noise and can be burdensome to travel with.
Jaw or Throat Surgery
In the most severe cases, your dentist may recommend surgery to reposition the jaw or remove excess tissue in the throat. These procedures are done only if your sleep apnea medical condition is causing an immediate risk to your health or you wish to pursue surgery as a more permanent option.
Sleep Apnea Treatment with Kings Dental
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that poses a significant threat to sleep apnea sufferer's health and lifestyle. Those showing signs of sleep apnea will struggle to stay asleep or get a full night's rest. This can lead to daytime fatigue or severe headaches that make it difficult to focus.
Though it is a common condition, that does not make sleep apnea any less of a threat. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek treatment with a specialist of the throat and mouth, like the dentists at Kings Dental.
Our dentists are experts on all things related to your oral health, and that includes sleep apnea treatment. Click here to schedule an appointment with Kings Dental today!
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