Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night's sleep, you might have sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. Each pause can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur many times a night.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Occurs when your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Dentists play a crucial role in the treatment of sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While sleep physicians typically diagnose the condition, dental professionals are often involved in treatment, especially when oral appliances are recommended.
Screening and Referral
Dentists are often the first to notice signs of sleep apnea during routine dental exams, such as enlarged tonsils, a small jaw, or signs of teeth grinding.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Dentists can create custom-fitted oral appliances that reposition the lower jaw and tongue to help maintain an open airway during sleep.
Collaborative Care
Dentists work alongside sleep physicians to provide comprehensive care, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatment.
Follow-up and Adjustment
Regular follow-up appointments allow dentists to adjust oral appliances for maximum effectiveness and comfort.