Sleep apnea is a sleeping problem that affects your breathing while sleeping. There are two types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by a lack of airflow caused by upper airway collapse. When this happens, a person will stop breathing for a few seconds to just over a minute. This often results in poor sleep quality and can even cause an individual to wake.
Did You Know?
One central cause of obstructive sleep apnea is a person’s facial anatomy, specifically the position of their jaw, tongue, tonsils, and other tissues near the throat. Since dentists specialize in facial anatomy, they can effectively help treat obstructive sleep apnea cases.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dental sleep apnea treatment?
You may be a candidate for dental sleep apnea treatment if you have been diagnosed with or suspect that you may have obstructive sleep apnea. Potential symptoms that could indicate obstructive sleep apnea include: daytime sleepiness, problems with concentration or memory, depression, irritability, and waking up feeling tired instead of refreshed. You may also be an ideal candidate if you have tried other sleep apnea treatments and were not happy with the results. To determine if dental sleep apnea treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation at Maxtown Family Dental today.
What can I expect when receiving dental sleep apnea treatment at Maxtown Family Dental?
At Maxtown Family Dental, we treat sleep apnea by using appliance therapy, specifically Jaw Advancing Devices (JAD) or Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD). These appliances are designed to fit over your teeth and place your jaw in a slightly forward position in order to maintain an open airway while sleeping. Therefore, you can expect to have a dental impression taken of your mouth and used to fabricate your custom appliance. Once the appliance has been fabricated, your Maxtown Family dentist will make any necessary adjustments and provide you with instructions on how to wear and care for your new appliance.
Why should I see a dentist for sleep apnea treatment?
When most people are diagnosed with sleep apnea, visiting their dentist is not usually the first thing they think of. Nevertheless, your dentist can provide a comfortable, quiet, and affordable treatment option that is both effective and non-invasive. It can be especially beneficial to see a dentist for sleep apnea treatment if you are looking for an alternative to using a CPAP machine. As a final note, the oral appliances used to treat sleep apnea can also protect your teeth if you suffer from bruxism.
