When most people think about treating sleep apnea, they picture a trip to the doctor or a sleep specialist. But what if one of the most effective partners in managing this condition is actually your dentist? It might sound surprising, but for many individuals, dental professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to a minute or longer and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite the effort to breathe. This can lead to fragmented sleep, snoring, daytime fatigue, and even serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
The standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. This treatment involves wearing a mask that delivers steady air pressure to keep the airway open. However, CPAP isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some patients find it uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently. That’s where dentists can offer an alternative.
How Dentists Get Involved
Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine are uniquely equipped to help manage mild to moderate sleep apnea, especially in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. They do this by creating custom oral appliances, often called mandibular advancement devices, that help keep the airway open during sleep. These appliances resemble mouthguards or orthodontic retainers. They work by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue forward, reducing the risk of airway collapse. They’re custom-fitted to each patient’s mouth. This means they tend to be more comfortable and easier to adapt to than CPAP machines. Many patients report better compliance and improved sleep quality after switching to an oral appliance.
Signs You May Benefit from a Dental Approach
Not everyone with sleep apnea will be a candidate for dental treatment. However, there are certain signs that may indicate you could benefit. If you’ve been diagnosed with mild or moderate OSA and struggle with CPAP compliance, a dental device may be a good alternative. Likewise, if you snore heavily, wake up gasping for air, or feel excessively tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep, you may have undiagnosed sleep apnea and should speak to your healthcare provider. A dentist trained in sleep apnea therapy can evaluate your symptoms and collaborate with your physician or sleep specialist. In fact, a sleep study is usually required to confirm the diagnosis before any dental appliance can be recommended.
A Collaborative Approach to Treatment
Treating sleep apnea often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Dentists, primary care doctors, ENT specialists, and sleep medicine physicians can all work together to find the right solution for each patient. Dentists bring a unique perspective because they regularly examine the mouth, jaw, and airway. The often spot anatomical issues that could contribute to sleep apnea.
In recent years, awareness of dental sleep medicine has grown significantly. More dentists are receiving specialized training and working closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Plano, TX
At Aesthetic Dentistry Centre, we understand the connection between your oral health and overall health. If you suffer from chronic fatigue or morning jaw pain, sleep apnea could be the culprit. Our oral appliance therapy options may be able to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more.