Can Your Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
Welcome back to our Butte, MT dentistry blog!
At Butte Family Dental, we try to make it easy for you and your family to maintain good oral health. We know that health and happiness are gifts that should never be taken for granted.
Now that November is here, maybe we should reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. Good friends, family, a job, food on the table, a good night’s sleep.
These are the things that keep us moving forward with life.
But some of our patients aren’t blessed with good rest because of a condition called sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can adversely affect relationships, work performance, and academic achievement if left untreated.
Do you know anyone who is suffering from this condition?
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Millions of Americans are afflicted by this condition, but most people are only vaguely aware of it.
This condition is usually triggered by dysfunctions in the muscles of the upper respiratory tract.
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction (more often than not it is the tongue) in the airway that basically starves your brain (and the rest of your body) of much needed Oxygen.
When things are working as they should, the muscles that exist in your airway will keep it open throughout the night. When things are amiss, your tongue will fall out of place and cause trouble by making it difficult to breathe.
What Are The Warning Signs?
The warning signs are not subtle. They will literally provide a wake-up call.
Snoring and gasping for breath during the night are two big tell-tale signs of sleep apnea. This can be disruptive for you and for loved ones who are trying to get good sleep.
Personality changes, anxiety, and depression, are other unpleasant side effects of this condition. Sleep apnea sufferers are also at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and gaining weight. Plus, they often report problems with memory and concentration.
Sleep apnea sufferers are also in danger of having their sleep-deprived bodies cause problems while they are in the car, at work, in school, or engaged in a recreational activity.
Butte Family Dental Can Make It Better
This is one situation that usually requires cooperation from a physician.
If you have had a sleep study and were diagnosed with sleep apnea, your primary physician will probably make some recommendations in regards to lifestyle changes and treatment.
In any event, your Butte, MT dentist will work closely with you and your sleep doctor to find the best solution for your current needs.
Dental Devices
If your sleep apnea is in the mild to moderate range, we can usually create a dental device just for you.
There are two primary types of dental devices that we utilize for treating applicable cases of sleep apnea:
The first option is a Mandibular Advancement Device, which is a custom-made mouthguard that gently pushes your lower jaw forward to help keep your airway open.
The other option is a Tongue Retaining Device, which is essentially a splint constructed to hold the tongue in place alleviating any airway obstructions.
Either way, we will do our best to get you rest!
Learn More, Get Started!
If sleep apnea is a problem for you or a loved one, Contact us today for a consultation in our Butte, MT dentist’s office.
We can restore normalcy to your life.