What Can My Dentist Do for Sleep Apnea?

Many dentists are able to detect and help you manage sleep apnea. This is a form of dental sleep medicine, which has a focus on the use of oral appliances. These oral devices can help to treat disorders with breathing during the night. This can include obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. A dentist can work with a sleep doctor to help find the right treatment for you.

Treatments for sleep apnea

Some patients may have trouble with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). For these patients, a dental sleep appliance can help to improve their quality of life. These patients can benefit from the two main types of dental sleep apnea devices. A mandibular advancement device works by pushing the lower jaw slightly forward.

This is a good option for patients whose sleep apnea is caused by the lower jaw falling back and covering the throat. It is good for individuals who have mild to moderate sleep apnea. However, sometimes the sleep apnea is caused by the patient’s tongue falling back over the airway. In this case, a device that holds the tongue in place may be a better option for the patient.

When the lower jaw is moved forward, the size of the upper airway is increased. This can reduce the air resistance and allow more air to flow through the airway. This can help to reduce both snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Often, these devices are used instead of CPAP machines or surgery. The devices offer a less invasive measure of treatment.

The oral appliances are often used along with weight loss if necessary. Excess tissue in the throat area can restrict the airway. Each dental appliance is customized for each patient so that it will properly fit. An improperly fitting device can cause other problems, such as TMJ symptoms, bite problems or movement of the teeth.

In most cases, a sleep physician will recommend a sleep study to confirm that the patient is indeed suffering from sleep apnea. This will help to rule out other medical conditions. The patient may also have a sleep study done after getting the oral appliance to determine whether or not the treatment is successful. Patients will also need to visit the dentist regularly to see that the dental appliance is still fitting properly and not causing any problems. The dentist can make any changes that might be necessary.

Visit a dentist today

The quality of the sleep that you get each night has a tremendous impact on your health, as well as your quality of life. Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, and it can easily disrupt your sleep. This can increase your risk of having serious health problems, including heart attacks or strokes. Snoring is a warning that should not be ignored, but it can be treated using dental sleep apnea devices. Talk to your dentist today about the treatment options that are available for your sleep apnea.

Request an appointment here: https://smilowfamilydentistry.com or call Smilow Family Dentistry, P.C. at (973) 379-2202 for an appointment in our Springfield Township office.

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