Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes, and might happen 30 times or more an hour. Patients with sleep apnea often snore loudly and feel exhausted after a full night’s rest.
This condition messes with sleep quality and overall health. It can lead to serious problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It also causes daytime fatigue and raises the risk of accidents.
How Dentists Help with Sleep Apnea
Dentists can be a big help in treating sleep apnea, especially the obstructive kind. They make custom oral appliances that keep your airway open while you sleep. These devices, called mandibular advancement devices (MADs), gently shift your lower jaw and tongue forward to stop your airway from collapsing. This cuts down on snoring and apnea episodes. Oral appliances are a great option for patients who can’t handle CPAP machines or for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Spotting the Signs and Getting Diagnosed
You might notice loud snoring, gasping for air at night, or waking up with headaches if you have sleep apnea. Other signs include trouble staying asleep, feeling super tired during the day, or being extra irritable.
Your doctor might suggest a sleep study to figure out if it’s really sleep apnea. This can be done at a sleep center or even at home with portable equipment. The study tracks your breathing, oxygen levels, and other stuff while you sleep to see how serious the problem is and what treatment will work best.
Common Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea
The go-to treatment for sleep apnea is usually CPAP therapy. It uses a machine that blows air through a mask to keep your airway open. It works well, but some patients find it uncomfortable. Other options include lifestyle changes, losing weight, quitting smoking, or cutting back on alcohol.
For more severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove tissue blocking the airway. Every treatment has its ups and downs, so it’s important to talk through your options with a doctor to find what’s right for you.
How Oral Appliances Work
Oral appliances work by gently moving your lower jaw forward. This tightens the soft tissues and muscles in your upper airway and stops your tongue from falling back. These small changes keep your airway open while you sleep.
Dentists customize these devices to fit your mouth perfectly and make adjustments to ensure they’re both comfortable and effective. You’ll also need regular check-ups to track your progress and tweak the appliance as needed.
Why Oral Appliance Therapy is a Great Option
Oral appliance therapy has a lot of perks. It’s less invasive than surgery and usually more comfortable than CPAP machines because you can use them anywhere. Plus, these devices are portable, easy to travel with, and don’t need electricity.
Research shows they can really cut down the severity of sleep apnea, improve your sleep quality, and help you feel less tired during the day. Many people find them way more convenient and satisfying than CPAP therapy.
Finding the Right Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Not every dentist is trained to treat sleep apnea, so it’s important to find one who specializes in it. Look for a dentist with experience in dental sleep medicine and stays up-to-date on the latest treatments. A good dentist will also work closely with your doctor or sleep specialist to make sure you’re getting the best care possible. Don’t hesitate to ask your primary care doctor or sleep specialist for recommendations.
How We Can Help
At Complete Dentistry for All Ages, we focus on treating sleep apnea with custom oral appliances. We create personalized treatment plans to meet your specific needs and use the latest technology to get the best results. Our goal is to help you sleep better and improve your overall health. If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, come see us for a consultation and find out how we can help you take control of your sleep.
Visit us for a consultation and learn how we can help you manage sleep apnea.