Dentist's Role in Sleep Apnea Treatment

March 07, 2022

  

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, around 25 million people in the United States are dealing with sleep apnea. The number of affected people is mind-bogglingly large while the disorder poses real dangers to one's health.

Because of these reasons, medical professionals such as dentists, neurologists, and otorhinolaryngologists are working together to develop modern treatment options as well as preventative measures for sleep apnea. In this article you’ll find out more about the dentist’s role in treating sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that is affecting a growing number of people every day.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea affects your quality of sleep in that you randomly stop breathing for a couple of seconds during the night. These breathing pauses may last up to 10 seconds and occur up to 30 times an hour or more as you sleep.

Snoring as well as insomnia are common symptoms of sleep apnea. Since a rising number of Americans are dealing with this issue, it’s nice to know that your dentist can be the one to help you. If you’re around the Scottsdale area this specialized dental sleep apnea treatment in Scottsdale can be the answer to all your sleeping issues. The first step to effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

To confirm the diagnosis, a sleep study should be carried out. This may either be done at a clinic or at home with the help of a professional.

What is dental sleep medicine?

Dental sleep medicine focuses on the use of oral appliances to cure snoring and a kind of sleep apnea known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when the muscles situated at the back of your throat get too relaxed resulting in the adjacent tissue obstructing your airway.

Another possibility for airway obstruction is your tongue sliding back effectively blocking your breathing. Dental oral appliance treatment aids in maintaining a clear airway and results in uninterrupted nights of sleep. Here are some types of oral appliances your dentist can offer you.

Oral Appliances for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

You should only use oral devices prescribed by the doctor in charge of your treatment. Dentists who specialize in sleep medicine administer these devices and then monitor the patients to make any necessary adjustments to their treatment. Never use over-the-counter sleep apnea therapy equipment. Even though these medications are less expensive and easily accessible, they generally simply treat symptoms, such snoring, rather than the underlying condition.

Mandibular advancement devices (MAD)

In appearance, MADs resemble sports mouth guards since they cover both the upper and lower teeth in a single piece. The two trays in the middle are connected by a hinge. This appliance keeps the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward while you sleep. You may avoid restricted breathing by using this device. MADs may be comfortably and effectively repositioned and fitted by dentists with specialized training.

Tongue-retaining mouthpieces

Tongue-retaining mouthpieces may be useful for sleep apnea patients with limited jaw mobility. They prevent the tongue from slipping into the airway as you sleep. Slight suction keeps the tongue in place while the rest of the mouth is free to move.

The role of dentists in treating sleep apnea

All medical professionals must work in accordance to combat the rising epidemic of sleep apnea, which poses serious health concerns to the general population. Dental professionals have a critical role in the diagnosis of patients with sleep-related respiratory issues and further treatment. However, they first need to carry out a physical assessment and a sleep test.

A type of treatment proposed by the dentists is oral appliance. Dentists who specialize in dental sleep medicine are the only ones who can give you the right oral appliance and ensure a proper fit. Ultimately, your dentist and physician will work together to monitor the progress of your sleep apnea therapy.

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