An estimated 22 million Americans have sleep apnea, and well over half of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea have a moderate to severe case. A general dentist studies and understands why sleep apnea occurs and can effectively treat it with oral appliances and other treatment methods.
Many do not know whom to visit when sleep apnea leads to concerning symptoms. While visiting a sleep specialist may be necessary in some cases, a general dentist who offers sleep apnea treatment can also address your concern. The following is a review of sleep apnea and how a general dentist can treat it.
Sleep apnea is a common condition in which the airway in the back of the throat closes while sleeping. This causes the person to quit breathing temporarily. It is not a major health risk, but it does lead to the individual constantly waking up throughout the night and can lead to cardiovascular health problems if left untreated for too long. General dentists focus on all aspects of oral health, and many consider sleep apnea to be an important condition to treat, as it can affect oral health and general health.
The two main types of treatment for sleep apnea are CPAP machines and mandibular advancement devices. Although CPAP machines are effective, general dentists are typically more likely to recommend a mandibular advancement device, a type of custom mouthguard that keeps the tongue and jaw in the proper position to keep the airway open while asleep. Other treatment options include surgery or medications. Medications are typically only effective for central sleep apnea, and surgery is often only used if less invasive methods of treatment do not work.
The sleep apnea treatment process with a general dentist begins with a consultation. The dentist reviews the patient’s dental and medical history and documents their sleep apnea symptoms and discusses treatment goals. They can then discuss all available treatment options and decide on the best method, which is often a mandibular advancement device.
If symptoms of sleep apnea become problematic or you have received a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, then it is encouraged to seek treatment. Common symptoms include but are not limited to constantly waking up while asleep, having a lack of energy during the day, snoring and having morning headaches. Many patients report long-term relief from their sleep apnea symptoms after visiting a general dentist and starting a treatment plan.
Are you considering sleep apnea treatment from a general dentist? If so, call or send our friendly dental team a message today to schedule a visit. During the visit, we can discuss your symptoms, goals for treatment and treatment preferences to determine the best way to manage your sleep apnea symptoms in the long term.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Portland, OR.
Sleep apnea is a condition that leads to breathing interruptions as a person sleeps. These interruptions force your brain to wake up to restore breathing. These episodes can occur over 100 times in a single night, making it difficult to get restful sleep.Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the condition and it…
Oral appliance treatment is an innovative treatment alternative to a traditional CPAP machine for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea can make sleeping at night a challenge, cause difficulty with focus throughout the day and affect your general health, and seeking treatment is important if symptoms continue or worsen. The benefits of oral appliance treatment to…
Custom-made oral appliances provided by a general dentist have been shown to work effectively for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the use of these oral pieces to improve snoring and sleep quality can also improve general wellbeing. The dentist will examine the patient, take…
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can leave you feeling tired and sleepy during the day. The condition leads to breathing coming to a stop during sleep, forcing your brain to wake up to restore breathing momentarily. People with the condition can have hundreds of these interruptions during sleep.Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by…
Some people simply inherit dental problems and experience them because they do not properly care for their teeth or have been involved in some type of accident. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth. Even better, implants allow your new teeth to feel,…
Looking for an implant dentist? If you are nervous about getting dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, then one way to minimize your stress and anxiety is to find an experienced implant dentist that you can trust. There are several effective tips and strategies for ensuring you are able to find the…