A general dentist has the skills and experience to treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. To treat this condition, the dentist may recommend custom-made oral appliances. It is crucial to learn about the condition to get a full grasp of how a general dentist treats sleep apnea. This article addresses this, as well as the treatment option available to patients.
If someone has sleep apnea, they will stop breathing for a few seconds while sleeping. In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, a breath stoppage occurs when the air passages get blocked due to the excess tissues and relaxation of throat muscles. When breathing stops, the brain will send signals to wake the person so breathing can resume. This event may occur several times during sleep, causing the patient to wake up the next morning feeling tired.
Sleep apnea reduces the quality and quantity of oxygen delivered to the brain and may contribute to health conditions such as cardiovascular issues and depression. Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, daytime drowsiness, headaches and gasping for air during the night. Patients experiencing these symptoms need to visit the general dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
General dentists have the training and expertise to treat the origin of obstructive sleep apnea. They can perform necessary evaluations to determine the appropriate treatment for the patient. Oral appliances are effective for keeping the airway open during the night for patients who cannot or do not wish to get a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
The oral device can help patients sleep better at night and reduce the risks of health problems. The device looks similar to a regular mouthguard. For effectiveness, the dentist will take impressions of the patient’s mouth to make a custom-fitted device.
The most popular type of oral appliances used for treating sleep apnea is the mandibular advancement device (MAD). The appliance works by shifting the lower jaw forward and prevents it from falling back into the air passages and blocking airflow. It snaps over the lower and upper parts of the jaw and is connected with metal hinges. Certain forms of these devices allow the wearer to adjust how far the lower jaw moves.
Another type of appliance is the tongue-retaining device. It functions by holding the tongue in a forward position during the night. This is a practical option for patients whose tongues tend to collapse to the back of the mouth while sleeping.
Oral appliances can help limit the occurrence of snoring in patients. Over the long term of consistent usage, oral appliances can effectively stop the apnea.
Sleep apnea is a serious health issue that can predispose you to the risks of other health issues. It is vital to undergo treatment for this condition so you can sleep better at night, rest well and improve your overall health. The general dentist can help you get the best treatment for your condition.
Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
A general dentist will try and save natural teeth when possible. However, in certain circumstances, tooth extraction is either the only option or the most appropriate one for preserving oral health. The following are some key examples of situations where a dentist might recommend a tooth extraction.Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged or decayed to…
Your dentist will decide if you need a tooth extraction for your broken tooth. This type of dental injury needs immediate correction. Pain is a common symptom. Finding out when your broken tooth needs this surgery can help you prepare for it. Here are the details on when you should get a tooth extraction for…
A general dentist will typically only recommend pulling a tooth when absolutely necessary. This procedure, also known as tooth extraction, is reserved for teeth that have been decayed or damaged beyond repair. Not only does this prevent a problem tooth from starting a domino effect of oral health issues, but it also brings several other…
Tooth extraction, whether by professional intervention or through trauma, needs to be replaced as soon as healing allows. Healing can vary depending on the number of teeth extracted and the extraction type. The same can be said for the replacement options. The type the dentist introduces will depend on the number of teeth needing replacement,…
A general dentist will try and save natural teeth when possible. However, in certain circumstances,…
Your dentist will decide if you need a tooth extraction for your broken tooth. This…
A general dentist will typically only recommend pulling a tooth when absolutely necessary. This procedure,…
Tooth extraction, whether by professional intervention or through trauma, needs to be replaced as soon…
When you hear you need a tooth extraction, it is common to worry about having…
General dentists, like any dental professional, strive to help patients keep all of their natural…