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://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dental restorations offer ways to remove damaged tooth enamel, halt further decay, and restore the function of damaged or lost teeth. However, some mistaken beliefs prevent people from getting necessary care for oral health. Understand how to separate fact from fiction to make better choices for your dental care.Learn the truth behind the following four…
Establishing a relationship with a family dentist offers numerous long-term benefits for maintaining oral health. By providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, a family dentist ensures continuity of treatment, early detection of potential problems, and education that fosters a lifetime of healthy habits. Investing in regular visits to a family dentist is an…
The purpose of dental restorations is to replace permanent teeth that are lost. This can happen because of trauma to the tooth that renders it irreparable or decay that is so extensive that it requires extraction. There are several restoration options for replacing a missing tooth. Some are removable while others are permanently fixed in…
Dental restorations are for patients with missing, weakened, fractured, or decayed teeth. A restoration replaces or repairs missing teeth or parts of the tooth's structure. If a tooth shows signs of decay or may cause trouble later, dentists can strengthen the tooth to avoid future issues. When it comes to dental restoration, two common types…
Dental restorations offer ways to remove damaged tooth enamel, halt further decay, and restore the…
Establishing a relationship with a family dentist offers numerous long-term benefits for maintaining oral health.
The purpose of dental restorations is to replace permanent teeth that are lost. This can…
Dental restorations are for patients with missing, weakened, fractured, or decayed teeth. A restoration replaces…
Dental restorations can improve overall health by decreasing the chances of infection, decay, and issues…
Modern dentistry provides many options for treating decayed or missing teeth. Although dental restorations can…