Sleep Dentistry Explained

Thanks to sleep dentistry, you may be able to sleep more soundly at night. A lot of people do not consider visiting the dentist to combat sleep problems, but this is an effective treatment. Your general dentist can use a few different methods to treat sleep apnea and snoring. These solutions can improve your breathing at night and improve your overall health. It is good to first understand how these methods work and how you could benefit from them.

Sleep apnea and its signs

Dentists who work in sleep dentistry commonly treat patients who suffer from sleep apnea. This condition is present when a person has trouble breathing effectively at night. The patient may stop breathing for a few seconds or up to a few minutes while asleep. This occurs due to an obstruction in the airway, usually enlarged tissue or the tongue. Sleep apnea can also cause the person to snore frequently during sleep.

People of all ages can have sleep apnea, though it is more common among older patients. People who are overweight or smoke are more prone to it. Aside from snoring, irritability and fatigue are other symptoms. Difficulty concentrating is another clue that an individual has this condition.

Talking to the dentist

A person who suspects they have sleep apnea does not have to first talk to the doctor about wearing a CPAP machine. Sleep dentistry is available to consider other ways to treat these concerns. CPAP machines do not make sense for everyone, and a general dentist can talk about how other methods might be more effective. The dentist will first examine the patient and determine where the airway blockage is occurring. The dentist will take X-rays and make impressions of the mouth.

Wearing a tongue depressor

The tongue is often a culprit for causing blockage. While a person is asleep, the tongue can have a tendency to fall to the back of the mouth, closing off the airway. A device such as a tongue depressor can hold the tongue at the front of the mouth. Consequently, the patient can have a continuous flow of air in and out of the throat.

Wearing a mouthguard

A sleep dentistry dentist may suggest wearing a mouthguard. This appliance goes on the upper and lower jaw, fitting over the teeth. It pulls the jaw forward, opening the airway wider. In this way, even if the person has enlarged tissues in the throat, the airway should be open large enough for enough air to pass through. The dentist will also determine whether surgery such as tissue reduction or removal is necessary.

Frequent follow-up

General dentistry follows up on the health of teeth and gums. Sleep dentistry will closely monitor the patient’s progress with effective nighttime breathing. The dentist will consistently examine the patient to make sure the treatments are working well. The dentist may make appropriate adjustments to the oral appliances as needed.

Sleep dentistry could be the key to sound rest at night

Poor sleeping can have serious effects on your health. If you believe sleep apnea is keeping you from a good night’s sleep, talk to your dentist. An oral appliance or procedure could be just what you need to overcome these concerns. Make an appointment today for your dentist to examine you.

Request an appointment here: https://sandimassedation.com or call San Dimas Family and Sedation Dentistry at (909) 740-8294 for an appointment in our San Dimas office.

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