How Can a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
Do you suspect that you have a sleeping disorder? Does your sleep partner or roommate hear you snoring from across your home? Is sleep apnea treatment something you’ve already talked to your doctor about?
A dentist could offer the most convenient sleep apnea treatment and you didn’t even know it.
It Depends on the Type of Sleeping Disorder
There are only specific types of sleep problems that a dentist can help with. One of the most common ones is called “obstructive sleep apnea” or “OSA.” With OSA, the airway becomes fully or partially blocked because of a collapse of soft tissues at the back of the throat. This seals off air or causes snoring.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Wearing a custom oral sleep appliance can position your lower jaw in a way that brings it forward. This prevents the tongue from slipping further back and laying against the back of the throat, sealing off air.
Oral appliances are considered medical grade equipment, as is a CPAP machine. As such, you’ll actually need a prescription from your physician to give to our Suffolk County dentist before we can make the mouthpiece for you. Because of the nature of treatment, most people find that their medical insurance covers their sleep appliance as it would other CPAP equipment.
Will Any Sleep Mouthpiece Work for Apnea?
You may have seen commercials or magazine advertisements for mouthpieces that can be worn to reduce snoring or sleeping problems. While these can be partially effective, they do not provide the medical level of treatment necessary for serious sleeping disorders. As with a mouthguard, over the counter products are often bulkier and more uncomfortable to wear. Without a tailored prosthesis that fits snuggly over your teeth, you may find that generic sleep appliances don’t help as much as you would have hoped.
How to Get Started
Are you ready to see our multi-specialty general dentists about having a sleep mouthpiece made? Here are some things to do to prepare for your consultation:
- Have your medical and dental insurance cards with you, so that we can verify coverage
- Let us know if you’ve already had a sleep study performed and ask for records to be sent to our practice
- Talk to your physician or pulmonologist about whether you are CPAP intolerant or not
- Consider asking your doctor to write a prescription for an oral sleep appliance
- Prepare to keep a sleep diary after you’re fitted with your appliance, to monitor improvement or adjustments that are necessary
Dentists are experts when it comes to oral anatomy. If you feel like an oral sleep appliance could help you get the rest you deserve, then it’s time to schedule a consultation with a sleep dentist.
Contact Sachem Dental Group in Long Island to find out if our custom oral sleep appliances are an option for your particular type of apnea. If you’ve already talked with a pulmonologist or sleep physician, we can share data to determine if a mouthpiece is the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
