What Dental Appliance or Sleep Medicine Treatment Would a Sleep Dentist Recommend?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, over 25 million people in the United States are living with sleep apnea. This sleep disorder has life-threatening health implications and requires urgent intervention. One challenge is that many people are still undiagnosed because they are not aware of their condition. A sleep dentist can provide different sleep medicine treatments for patients who have been diagnosed.

Dental sleep medicine for sleep apnea

Dental sleep medicine focuses on the treatment of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and snoring. Sleep dentists are dental professionals who have training in this field and can recommend the best treatments for their patients’ sleep disorders. The role specifically involves managing symptoms of the condition with oral appliance therapy. A sleep dentist can recommend one of these two dental appliances, tongue-retaining devices and mandibular advancement devices (MADs), along with a CPAP machine for treating sleep apnea.

Mandibular advancement devices

MADs are like regular mouth guards that go over the upper and lower dental arches. At the center is a hinge holding the two trays together. The device pushes the tongue and lower jaw slightly forward when worn. This prevents the soft tissues at the back of the mouth from collapsing into the air passages and blocking airflow during sleep. An experienced sleep dentist can modify the fit and position of MADs to make them more comfortable and effective for the patient.

Tongue-retaining devices

Some sleep apnea patients have limited jaw flexibility and would benefit from the tongue-retaining device instead. The dental appliance prevents the tongue from collapsing into the airway during sleep. It fits over the tongue and keeps it in position with minimal suction force.

Getting oral devices for sleep apnea treatment

To begin treatment for sleep apnea, patients need to discuss their symptoms with the sleep apnea specialist. Afterward, they will undergo a sleep study to verify the diagnosis. This study can be completed at home or at a certified sleep clinic under professional supervision.

CPAP machine is often suggested as a first treatment measure for those dealing with moderate to severe sleep apnea. The device delivers pressured air via a mask throughout the night. Oral devices may be recommended for those with mild sleep apnea. In some cases, the dentist may recommend dental appliances and a CPAP machine for successful treatment.

Patients need to use the oral device as recommended by the sleep dentist administering the treatment. The device is specially made for the patient’s mouth for optimal fit and effectiveness. As the sleep medicine treatment continues, patients will need to come back for follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure that the device is working properly.

Get the best treatment for sleep apnea

You should visit the sleep dentist as soon as you notice symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. During your appointment, you can discuss your concerns and get helpful recommendations. The dentist will obtain your medical records and suggest a sleep study to make a diagnosis.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentalsleepsolutionsgroup.com or call Dental Sleep Solutions Group at (530) 727-6080 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.