Sleep Apnea Dentistry: How We May Be Able To Help
- Posted on: Mar 15 2024
When most people think of the benefits of visiting the dentist, they think of things like keeping their teeth clean. But it’s not just about maintaining a healthy bite or great smile. Here’s how modern dentistry can improve your experience with sleep apnea in pursuit of a better night’s rest.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
In sleep apnea, your breathing halts or becomes shallow while you sleep. These pauses occur repeatedly, and you may choke or snort for air.
Sleep apnea can be related to an airflow blockage or issues with your brain, nervous system, and breathing muscles. When sleep apnea occurs from a physical airflow blockage, it is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain and central nervous system do not properly regulate breathing during sleep.
Both conditions can lead to a reduced quality of sleep that might prove dangerous by leaving you exhausted and inattentive during the day.
What Is Sleep Apnea Dentistry?
There are a few different dental treatments that can help with sleep apnea. These options may be more acceptable to patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
- Oral Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These specially made devices take many forms, but they’re similar in appearance to mouthpieces. They operate by moving your jaw and tongue forward while you sleep, lowering the odds of your throat constricting and obstructing your airway. A MAD may also help reduce snoring.
- Surgical Treatments: Surgical procedures can help some patients. Options may include jaw surgery, tightening tissue in the throat and palate (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty), removing the tonsils and adenoids, reducing airflow resistance through the nose, and removing tissue that causes snoring.
- Lifestyle Modifications: We can advise you on certain lifestyle changes that may reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, such as losing weight if you are obese, quitting alcohol and tobacco use, increasing exercise, and trying different sleeping positions.
We consider each patient’s unique case to determine which type of treatment would likely deliver the greatest relief from sleep apnea. For some, lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and stopping smoking, eliminate issues. Other patients may require oral appliances.
Dr. Bankhardt wants every patient he treats to get a good night’s sleep, so their bodies can fully recharge and support them throughout the day.
Learn More About Sleep Apnea Dentistry at Robert D. Bankhardt, DDS, Inc.
Oral healthcare is just one tool for managing sleep apnea, and it works best in conjunction with sleep testing and treatment by a specialist physician. Find out whether sleep apnea dentistry could help you by visiting our office in Simi Valley, CA.
Dr. Robert Bankhardt and Dr. Casey Patternson are passionate dental professionals who listen to their patients and develop personalized solutions.
Please call 805-584-1194, or schedule your appointment online.
Posted in: Sleep Apnea
