Sleep apnea is a condition that leads to breathing interruptions as a person sleeps. These interruptions force your brain to wake up to restore breathing. These episodes can occur over 100 times in a single night, making it difficult to get restful sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the condition and it is caused by a part of the body blocking the airway during sleep. For some people, the tongue might fall back into their airways, or the position of the jaw might close their airway up while they sleep.
There are a variety of ways to go about treating sleep apnea. CPAP machines and oral appliances are the most commonly used ways to manage the condition. Both appliances help to keep the patient's airways open while they sleep.
Sleep apnea mouthguards either keep the tongue in its proper resting position during sleep or prevent the wearer's jaw from moving into a position that obstructs breathing while they sleep. As a result, the person can get effective rest at night.
CPAP machines work by pushing pressurized air into the patient's mouth while they sleep. The person goes to sleep wearing a breathing mask and the pressure is just enough to prevent the tongue or jaw from blocking airflow.
Patients with sleep apnea should talk to their dentist about their condition. The dentist can evaluate the patient and provide a referral if needed. They can also make a customized mouthguard that keeps the person's airway open when they go to bed.
The dentist might ask the patient to bite down on a mold that leaves an impression of their teeth. The impression is sent to technicians in a dental lab where oral appliances for sleep apnea are made. It can take up to two weeks for the finished appliance to get back to the dentist.
The dentist will show the patient how to insert the oral appliance, remove it and maintain it. The type of appliance the patient gets varies based on their unique condition. Some appliances prevent the tongue from blocking airflow, others prevent the jaw from doing the same and the rest are hybrid appliances that do both.
Other ways to go about reducing the effects of sleep apnea on your sleep include:
Lifestyle changes: sleep apnea can be caused by excess fatty tissues blocking airways. Losing weight often treats the condition. Other cases can be caused by habits like smoking and habitual drinking. Putting such habits behind can help.
Surgery: there are surgical treatments that can be used to treat sleep apnea. These are usually used as a last resort. The procedure often involves removing soft tissues that might be blocking the patient's airways.
Sleep apnea can lead to serious mental and physical conditions like depression and heart disease. Call or visit our Portland clinic to learn more about how it can be treated.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Do I Have Sleep Apnea in Portland, OR.
Oral appliance treatment is an innovative treatment alternative to a traditional CPAP machine for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea can make sleeping at night a challenge, cause difficulty with focus throughout the day and affect your general health, and seeking treatment is important if symptoms continue or worsen. The benefits of oral appliance treatment to…
Custom-made oral appliances provided by a general dentist have been shown to work effectively for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the use of these oral pieces to improve snoring and sleep quality can also improve general wellbeing. The dentist will examine the patient, take…
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can leave you feeling tired and sleepy during the day. The condition leads to breathing coming to a stop during sleep, forcing your brain to wake up to restore breathing momentarily. People with the condition can have hundreds of these interruptions during sleep.Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by…
An estimated 22 million Americans have sleep apnea, and well over half of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea have a moderate to severe case. A general dentist studies and understands why sleep apnea occurs and can effectively treat it with oral appliances and other treatment methods. Many do not know whom to visit when sleep apnea…
When your mouth has been worn down due to years of wear and tear, dental restoration can help you get your smile back and improve your oral health. Even if we do not think about it, we rely on our teeth, tongue, gums, jaw, and throat for more than we realize, and keeping all these…
Are you thinking about getting invisible braces? Also known as clear aligners, many people are choosing this type of braces to straighten their teeth. The fact that there are many choices for straightening one’s teeth nowadays means that those living with crooked teeth have choices.It is now simply a matter of choosing which of the…