How Dentists Help Treat Sleep Apnea without Surgery
Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring. An important sleep disorder that interferes with breathing during sleep. If you don’t know what you’re suffering from, you may not be aware that you have it until it starts to impact your life. Untreated sleep apnea often is accompanied by constant fatigue, lack of concentration, headaches, and restless sleep.
In rare cases, surgery may be an option, but many people can get better without surgery. In fact, dentists now have an important part to play non-surgically in sleep apnea management. They aim to enhance breathing, decrease airflow blockage and promote better sleep.
In today’s world, there are more people seeking comfortable and convenient sleep apnea solutions from dental professionals. Sleep apnea specialists will collaborate with patients to create a tailored oral device and a comprehensive long-term care plan. This means that many people get better without surgery and without any of the risks or recovery time.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a condition in which breathing stops and starts several times during sleep. Most often this occurs when the airway is partially or fully obstructed. This leads to a decrease in oxygen levels and the brain briefly awakens the body to resume normal breathing.
These pauses can be brief (for seconds), and may occur numerous times during the night. The body thus never attains a deep and restful sleep.
The most frequent type is obstructive sleep apnea. This type occurs when the muscles in the throat become too relaxed during sleep, constricting the airway. In some people, the position of the tongue and/or jaw can also be a cause of obstruction.
If sleep apnea goes untreated, it can lead to a variety of other health issues over time, such as:
√ High blood pressure
√ Heart disease
√ Diabetes
√ Memory problems
√ Mood changes
√ Daytime fatigue
Due to these risks, early diagnosis and adequate treatment are of key importance.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many people do not pay attention to the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, thinking that the snoring is no big deal. But chronic sleep loss may have serious health consequences, however.
Examples of warning signs include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Hyper-sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or beverages
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability and moodiness
- Poor sleep quality
When these symptoms occur regularly, then it is best to not delay the evaluation process by professionals.
Why Dentists Are Involved in Sleep Apnea Treatment
Dentists have a unique training history in the structure of the jaw, mouth, tongue and airway. This makes it possible to detect oral factors that can lead to breathing issues at night.
The jaw or tongue position can directly affect airway obstruction, in many cases. Dentists can examine these structures and suggest customized devices that will assist them to breathe better while sleeping.
Also, dentists will often find signs of sleep apnea during routine checkups. Sleep-related breathing disorders are often accompanied by teeth grinding, jaw tension, dry mouth, and worn enamel. Hence, sometimes, dental visits can result in early diagnosis.
With an increased awareness of sleep apnea, dentists are playing a vital role in the non-surgical treatment of sleep apnea.
Non-Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatments Provided by Dentists
There are a number of non-surgical sleep apnea treatments available from dentists.
Surgery is not necessary for all patients who have sleep apnea. In fact, many individuals are helped by conservative treatments. Dentists have a number of non-invasive options to help with breathing and sleep quality.
The dentist first assesses the severity of the problem, the alignment of the jaws and the structure of the airway prior to recommending treatment. This will help develop a more tailored treatment plan.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is one of the most common non-surgical treatments for sleep apnea. These are specially designed machines that are used while sleeping and keep the airway open.
This appliance works by softly moving the lower jaw or tongue forward. The airway is therefore not as obstructed during sleep.
Patients tend to like oral appliances better because they are:
- Comfortable to wear
- Small and portable
- Quiet during sleep
- Easy to maintain
Less restrictive than CPAP machines are.
In a few weeks, many patients will see improvements in sleep and snoring.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) are a type of oral device that is custom-made to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These devices can be used to move the lower jaw forward to keep the airways open.
The device is customized for the patient’s bite and jaw structure by the dentist. Hence, the fit is more comfortable and effective than the OTC products.
The following treatment may be beneficial:
√ Improve nighttime breathing
√ Reduce snoring intensity
√ Minimize airway obstruction
√ Breathe better when sleeping.
The device is a custom-made version and frequent follow-ups are essential to make sure it is adjusted and comfortable.
Managing Teeth Grinding and Jaw Tension
A common association of sleep apnea and bruxism, or teeth grinding. Airway stress is responsible for many patients unknowingly stressing their airways by either clenching or grinding their teeth while asleep.
Signs of grinding can be detected during a dentist examination. This problem does not only help to maintain the teeth but can also enhance all sleep comfort.
Night guards and oral devices can be used:
- Reduce jaw strain
- Protect tooth enamel
- Soothe tension in facial muscles
- Improve sleep quality
Early treatment of grinding can avoid serious problems later on in life.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Non-Surgical Treatment
The best results are achieved with dental treatment and healthy lifestyle changes. Over time, minor changes can greatly alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
Patients are typically encouraged to make progressive changes that can contribute to improved airway health and sleep quality.
Some positive life habits to practice are:
√ Maintaining a healthy weight for the body.
√ Keeping a healthy weight on the body.
√ Sleeping on the side rather than back.
√ Stay away from alcohol before sleep.
√ Quitting smoking
√ Having a regular bedtime routine
√ Exercising regularly
Although these changes do not necessarily cure sleep apnea, they can often make treatment more effective and lessen the severity of symptoms.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatment
Non-surgical treatments are chosen by many patients as they do not have the risks and recovery time that surgery would have. Further, oral appliances can be more comfortable to wear than larger breathing devices.
Treatment can be non-invasive and offer a number of benefits such as:
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced snoring
- Better daytime energy
- A deep sleep that is more comfortable and restorative.
- Easier treatment maintenance
- Lower treatment-related stress
For many individuals, these improvements positively affect both physical health and daily life.
How Dentists Create Customized Sleep Appliances
Each patient’s mouth and airway anatomy varies. So, dentists make detailed measurements before making an oral appliance.
Typically, this would start with an examination and sleep evaluation. In some instances, information from sleep studies also may be reviewed to learn more about the severity.
The dentist can then:
- Examine jaw alignment
- Assess tongue position
- Take dental impressions
- Evaluate airway structure
- Discuss sleep-related symptoms
Follow up visits are used to ensure the correct adjustment and effectiveness of the appliance once it is ready.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment?
For patients with mild to moderate OSAS, non-surgical dental treatment is recommended. It might also be useful for people who are not able to use CPAP.
Commonly benefiting patients include those who:
√ Snore profusely while sleeping
√ Experience interrupted breathing
√ Feel tired during the day
√ Have difficulty tolerating the CPAP machine
But when a person has severe sleep apnea, he or she might need more medical management or additional treatments.
When to Seek Professional Help
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. But, if symptoms persist they should never be ignored.
If you have any of the following symptoms, please have a professional evaluate you:
√ Loud snoring regularly
√ Morning headaches
√ Difficulty getting attention and focus
√ Abnormal breathing patterns while sleeping
√ Poor concentration
√ Dry mouth when awake/lying down
Treatment can be started before serious complications have occurred, thanks to early diagnosis.
The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring
Treatments for sleep apnea aren’t necessarily permanent. Continuous monitoring allows the treatment to be maintained.
Oral appliances can be adjusted every so often to provide optimum comfort and breathing support. Further, the follow-up visits can detect any change in the teeth as a result of extended use of the appliances.
Continuing care includes:
√ Appliance adjustments
√ Jaw evaluations
√ Bite monitoring
√ Sleep symptom review
√ Oral health assessment
This long term strategy helps not only in improving sleep quality but also dental health.
Summing Up
Sleep apnea can have a much greater impact than sleep. If left untreated, it can affect energy, focus, heart health and quality of life. Fortunately there are other options to treatment than surgery.
Now, dentists have an important role in helping patients receive sleep apnea treatment without having to engage in uncomfortable, non-surgical sleep apnea treatment options. There are several things you can do to prevent or improve your breathing and sleep quality, including using a customized oral appliance or a jaw support device.
Also, teeth treatment and a healthy lifestyle together can yield more lasting benefits. A significant number of patients find they have less snoring, better sleep and more energy during the day without invasive procedures.
Symptoms of sleep apnea should not be ignored if they persist. Early intervention can help to improve sleep, safeguard overall health and restore comfort and comfort naturally and effectively.