Sleep apnea and dentistry have a lot of crossover that many are surprised to hear. The oral cavity is often what causes sleep apnea, which makes a dentist an expert at detecting, diagnosing and treating this common condition. Without treatment, patients are at risk of loss of oxygen and long-term damage to the oral cavity. Because of this risk, it is highly recommended to visit a medical professional for help. More often than not, patients are advised to see a general dentist. Keep reading to find out more!
Outlined below are a few questions and answers about the role a dentist plays in sleep apnea treatment. It can be helpful to review this information when looking into different treatment options.
Yes! A dentist can actually detect, diagnose and treat sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea treatment from a dentist typically involves one of two oral appliances, with the first being a mandibular advancement device and the second being a tongue retaining device. In some scenarios, the dentist may also recommend a CPAP machine; however, the assistance of a doctor may also be needed.
A mandibular advancement device is similar to a mouthguard. It snaps over the top and bottom arch of teeth and has metal hinges that encourage the jaw to be held in a forward position. A tongue retaining device, on the other hand, holds the tongue forward to keep it from obstructing the airway.
A dentist detects sleep apnea in patients by examining the oral cavity. There are a few warning signs that can be checked for during a routine appointment.
Yes and no. Most dentists are not able to find a cure for sleep apnea; however, treatment can produce positive results, thus making symptoms manageable. Over time, with treatment, the symptoms of sleep apnea may be reduced, if not completely eliminated.
A dentist can be extremely helpful for sleep apnea treatment and management. They undergo extensive training on the oral cavity, which makes them experts at helping to keep the airway unobstructed. Their treatment approach is often easier on the patient, as oral appliances do not require tubes and machines like CPAP treatment does.
Sleep apnea can be very dangerous if treatment is not provided. Working with a dentist is the best place to start. An evaluation can be done in order to identify the appropriate course of action. Additionally, questions and concerns can be addressed, which can be helpful for the patient who may feel anxious or afraid. Reach out today to learn more about treatment or to get scheduled for an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://breezydental.com or call Breezy Dental at (727) 725-3279 for an appointment in our Clearwater office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Clearwater, FL.
Dental sleep medicine can help with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, which are two common sleep problems. Snoring is one of the primary symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has it. However, snoring alone can cause problems for individuals and their sleep partners by interrupting sleep. While the Continuous Positive Airway…
Millions of people all over the world live with sleep apnea, however, a good number of those are yet undiagnosed. Most people would probably think of a sleep clinic first for diagnosis and treatment, but the general dentist is sometimes the first professional to discover signs of the condition. They also provide options to ease…
Sleep apnea is a frustrating condition that affects many people’s ability to function normally each day. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for sleep apnea, and those who utilize professional treatment from a dentist often see many useful benefits, such as the ability to function better each day.All too many who have sleep apnea…
Understanding what happens when making a dental checkup appointment is a great idea. When someone knows what to expect, they tend to feel much more comfortable when they know what is going to happen. This is especially true for anyone who experiences any level of dental anxiety or fear.Want to make a dental checkup appointment…
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on treatments that improve the appearance of your smile. Some of these…
Do you currently need a dental filling for a cavity? Read on to learn more…
Dental bonding is a quick, affordable fix that dentists use to correct a wide variety…
Learn more about how getting implants works and what to expect in the process. These…
In general dentistry, the dentist manages, makes diagnoses and treats ailments and conditions that affect…
One of the main reasons to undergo a chipped tooth repair is because oral health…
