Dental sleep medicine deals with the prescription of oral devices to treat sleep disorders like sleep apnea. The treatment options that the sleep apnea specialist recommends come after careful examination of the patient. Continue reading to find out why dental sleep medicine is critical to patients dealing with sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea has many impacts on one’s health beyond losing a good night’s rest. Sleep apnea means breathing disruption during sleep, which causes low oxygen levels to the brain and other vital organs. Patients will often gasp for breath during the night or wake up with a headache.
Sleep disruption can also result in grogginess and severe fatigue. Although the person is getting a full night’s sleep, the quality is not good enough. They might feel drowsy throughout the day, and this can cause them to fall asleep while driving or performing other essential tasks.
Without treatment, sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing other health issues. Patients may suffer a heart attack or a stroke because the brain is not getting enough oxygen. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other heart issues are common among those dealing with the condition. Specialists in dental sleep medicine can identify the symptoms of sleep apnea and provide effective treatment options in the form of oral appliances.
Most people usually learn that they need a CPAP machine after getting a sleep apnea diagnosis from their doctor. A CPAP machine has a nose mask that must be worn every night. The device delivers a constant stream of air to keep the air passages open during sleep. However, many patients who get the CPAP machine find it inconvenient. It can be noisy and cumbersome, especially for those who tend to move around in their sleep. If a patient cannot tolerate the CPAP machine, the sleep apnea specialist might suggest getting an oral appliance.
Many people prefer the oral appliance because it is quiet, portable, and easy to use. It is often the preferred option for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. The dental appliance is custom-made for the patient and worn at bedtime. It fits inside the mouth like a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer.
The device prevents oral tissues from collapsing and blocking the airway by holding the jaw in a forward position, ensuring that the air passages stay open throughout the night. This dental appliance is not as intrusive as the CPAP device and has a much higher compliance rate.
A sleep apnea specialist has the training and certification to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Dental sleep medicine offers an oral device as a non-invasive alternative to CPAP and surgery. Sleep quality has a significant impact on one’s health and life quality. Sleep apnea and snoring tend to occur together and can make people susceptible to severe health complications. If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, be sure to seek treatment immediately.
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