Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. If you have sleep apnea, you may be surprised to learn that your dentist can play a role in treating your condition.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax and block your airway during sleep. This can cause you to snore loudly and stop breathing for short periods of time. When your brain senses that you are not breathing, it briefly wakes you up so that you can start breathing again. This can happen hundreds of times a night, even though you may not be aware of it.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air through a mask that you wear while you sleep. This air pressure keeps your airway open and prevents you from stopping breathing.
While CPAP is effective for many people, some find it uncomfortable or difficult to use. If you are not able to tolerate CPAP, your dentist may be able to help. There are a number of dental appliances that can be used to treat sleep apnea. These appliances work by gently repositioning your jaw or tongue to keep your airway open.
Types of Dental Appliances
There are two main types of dental appliances for sleep apnea:
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Mandibular advancement devices (MADs): MADs are worn like a mouthguard and hold your lower jaw forward, which helps to open up your airway.
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Tongue retaining devices (TRDs): TRDs suction to your tongue and hold it forward, which also helps to open up your airway.
Benefits of Dental Appliances
Dental appliances for sleep apnea offer a number of benefits over CPAP:
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They are more comfortable to wear.
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They are less disruptive to your sleep.
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They are more portable.
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They are less expensive.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Appliances?
Not everyone is a candidate for dental appliances. They are most effective for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. If you have severe sleep apnea, you may still need to use a CPAP machine.
If you think you may have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, talk to your dentist about whether dental appliances are right for you.
Additional Information
In addition to treating sleep apnea, dental appliances can also be used to treat snoring. If you snore loudly and it is disturbing your sleep or the sleep of your partner, talk to your dentist about whether a dental appliance could help.
If you are concerned about sleep apnea or snoring, please don't hesitate to contact your dentist. They can help you determine if you have sleep apnea and recommend the best treatment options for you.
Dentist Richmond, VA | Riverwind Dental Discover Riverwind Dental in Richmond, VA! Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Riverwind Dental, 2821 N Parham Rd #102, Richmond, VA 23294 - (804) 280-0853 - riverwinddental.com - 12/19/2024 - Associated Words: Cosmetic Dentist Richmond Va -
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. If you have sleep apnea, you may be surprised to learn that your dentist can play a role in treating your condition.