How Can My Dentist Help My Sleep Apnea?

Many people are surprised to learn that a dentist can treat sleep apnea, but in fact, they are one of the best specialists to do so. Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects millions of people each night. With the help of a dentist, this disorder can be treated so sleeping through the night is achievable. 

In this article, we discuss how a dentist can treat sleep apnea. There are a few different ways that a dentist can go about treatment, but they are all known to be effective. If you are struggling from sleep apnea, then you may find this information to be helpful.

How a dentist treats sleep apnea

The following methods of treatment are all offered by a dentist. Read on to find out more.

Mouthguards or oral appliance therapy

First and foremost, a dentist will try to use a mouthguard to treat sleep apnea. The dentist can take impressions of a person’s mouth in order to custom-create a mouthguard. The impressions will be sent off to a dental lab, where the mouthguard will be created.

Using a mouthguard to treat sleep apnea has been known to bring relief. The mouthguard will position the mouth during the night in a way that allows for continuous breathing. The goal of the mouthguard is for the airway to be kept open so that a collapse does not take place. Dentists also refer to these mouthguards as mandibular advancement devices.

CPAP machines

Another treatment option that dentists recommend for sleep apnea is the CPAP machine, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. This is a machine that involves a mask that fits over a person’s nose or mouth or both, depending on the severity.

There are three main parts to a CPAP machine that helps treat the sleep apnea. The mask is secured in place with straps and is to be worn while sleeping. There is a motor that creates continuous positive airflow. The last part is a tube that connects the mask to the motor so the air is provided to the facial area.

The CPAP machine is recommended by dentists because it produces positive air to the airway, which makes it difficult for collapsing to take place. However, some people do find it harder to sleep with the mask on.

Surgery

In some situations, when sleep apnea is severe, a dentist may explore surgical options for treatment. Snoring is a common result of sleep apnea, which can be treated through surgery as well.

Contact us today

Are you suffering from sleep apnea? A dentist may be able to help you find relief. If you have questions about sleep apnea treatment, then reach out to our office today. Our team of professionals is readily available to help you get a better night's sleep. Give us a call or stop by our office! We are here to help you out!

Request an appointment here: https://www.palmbeachdentistry.com or call Palm Beach Dentistry at (561) 225-2057 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Getting A Dental Implant Crown

Implants are one of the various restorative procedures that a dentist can carry out. They can be inserted as a single unit to replace a tooth. They can also be a component of bridges to replace more than one missing tooth side-by-side. In addition, implant dentures help replace the entire dentition on either one or…

Smile Makeover: Enhancing The Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

A smile makeover can enhance natural beauty, boost confidence, and bring out the best in each smile. The process differs depending on which aspects of the smile a patient would like to improve. The one thing all smile makeovers have in common is that they involve using cosmetic dentistry to enhance the look of the…

Dental Practice Tips: When To Call A Dentist

A dental practice is where you turn when something feels wrong with your teeth or gums. Knowing when to call a dentist can help prevent small problems from damaging your oral health. Many people wait too long to get help, which can lead to more pain and more complex treatments. Learning the signs that need…

When A Dentist May Recommend A Dental Bridge

Dental bridge restoration is one of the services a dentist can offer you. This is a restorative option to replace missing or severely damaged tooth/teeth. Two or more crowns are cemented together and are inserted as a single unit. A crown, one on each end, sits over an abutment (either an implant or a healthy…

Recent Posts

Getting A Dental Implant Crown

Getting A Dental Implant Crown

Implants are one of the various restorative procedures that a dentist can carry out. They can be inserted as a single unit to replace a tooth. They can also be a component of bridges to replace more than one missing tooth side-by-side. In addition, implant dentures help replace the entire dentition on either one or…

Smile Makeover: Enhancing The Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile Makeover: Enhancing The Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

A smile makeover can enhance natural beauty, boost confidence, and bring out the best in each smile. The process differs depending on which aspects of the smile a patient would like to improve. The one thing all smile makeovers have in common is that they involve using cosmetic dentistry to enhance the look of the…