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.
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