Across the United States, an estimated 30 million people experience sleep apnea, with many more going undiagnosed. While you might associate this breathing condition with its impact on your sleep quality, it also plays a major role in the development of oral health ailments, including tooth decay, gum disease, and halitosis.
Although many individuals with the condition will treat it with a CPAP machine, there are several ways that a dentist can aid in recovery. At Ben Lomond Dental, our team is committed to helping you find lasting relief. If you’ve dealt with sleep apnea for some time, turn to our team to begin crafting your long-term recovery plan.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes your breathing to stop and restart while you sleep. In many individuals with the disorder, it isn’t uncommon to experience snoring and gasping while sleeping. Other symptoms include poor sleep quality and frequent daytime sleepiness. There are two common forms of the disorder:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This condition is characterized by a blockage of the airway while you sleep. This blockage may partially or completely obstruct airflow and can be caused by factors such as obesity, hormonal changes, and enlarged tonsils. OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): With CSA, your brain does not send signals to the muscles in your airway necessary for breathing. This condition is often considered a complication of medication use or other medical conditions, including heart disease, and must be treated by a team of neurologists and cardiologists.
If you have recently been diagnosed with OSA and your sleep specialist has recommended consulting a reliable sleep dentist, turn to our team at Ben Lomond Dental. With years of experience providing compassionate dental care to patients across North Ogden, you can trust that we’ll do the same for you.
How Our Dental Team Can Help
When you think about treating your sleep apnea, you’ve probably heard of CPAP machines. This is one of the most common methods for treating the disorder. However, it isn’t uncommon for patients to find the device incredibly uncomfortable to wear, and they may struggle to wear it throughout the night.
Instead of relying on a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, our team can help you create the appropriate oral appliance to provide relief throughout the night without discomfort. Our Ben Lomond Dental team uses two common oral appliances to treat OSA in patients across Northern Utah, including:
- Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): Mandibular advancement devices gently pull your jaw and tongue forward, opening your airway and allowing you to breathe more easily and snore less while you sleep.
When you visit our team to treat your OSA, trust that we’ll provide a comprehensive assessment of your condition to ensure your appliance adequately addresses your breathing difficulties. During your initial consultation, we’ll take impressions or 3D scans of your teeth and send these scans to a manufacturer to create your custom oral appliance.
When it is delivered, you’ll come in for a fitting to ensure the device sits comfortably in your mouth and will not slip during your sleep. Our team will also provide essential care instructions to ensure the device is properly maintained, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and easily, alleviating the symptoms of this sleep disorder.
Breathe Easier with the Support of Ben Lomond Dental
Dealing with sleep apnea can be a tiresome endeavor, but with the support of our team at Ben Lomond Dental, you can trust that you’re on the path to recovery. If your sleep specialist believes that you would benefit from the addition of an oral appliance to treat your OSA, contact our team at Ben Lomond Dental today. Everyone on our team is dedicated to helping you find an oral appliance that provides lasting relief, ensuring you can breathe more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?
If you are experiencing mild to moderate OSA, oral appliance therapies can be just as effective as CPAP. Many patients prefer using oral appliances to treat their OSA, as they are more comfortable to wear throughout the night and are easier to transport during travel. -
How do I know if I’m a candidate for a dental sleep appliance?
The best way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a dental sleep appliance is by scheduling an appointment with a trusted sleep specialist. They will conduct a sleep study and refer you to a qualified sleep dentist if they believe oral appliance therapy is right for you. -
Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance?
Yes, you will need to undergo a sleep study before receiving an oral appliance. During the study, a sleep specialist will diagnose your sleep apnea and determine the severity. Our dental team then works closely with the specialist to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.
