Can dentists fix sleep apnea?
Fortunately, your dentist can help treat your sleep apnea. Dentists can practice dental sleep medicine, which focuses on the use of oral appliances to treat snoring and a type of sleep apnea known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
What do you call a doctor who deals with sleep apnea?
Once the doctor has completed their assessment, they may refer the person to a somnologist, a doctor who specializes in the study and treatment of sleep disorders. Somnologists perform sleep studies to monitor what happens in a person's brain and body while they sleep.
Can dentists prescribe CPAP?
Some dentists or doctors prescribe a CPAP machine to treat obstructive sleep apnea, which forces air through the oral and nasal passages to keep soft tissues from collapsing. CPAP machines can be noisy, bulky and uncomfortable, which can also affect your sleep.
What your dentist looks for in diagnosing sleep apnea?
The first sign of sleep apnea is often tooth grinding (also called bruxism). Dentists look for worn tooth surfaces, a sign that a patient grinds their teeth. Grinding can cause tooth wear and breakage as well as inflamed and receding gums.
What is the newest treatment for sleep apnea?
The new treatment - known as Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) therapy - offers the first implantable device for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The therapy works from inside the body and with the patient's natural breathing process.
Does an ENT treat sleep apnea?
ENTs can treat sleep apnea many ways Most ENTs start with restoring proper breathing during the day and night. Many times this ends the sleep apnea without the use of any special devices. The ENT will exam you and may order imaging tests to get a good look at your airways.
Who is a sleep dentist?
A sleep dentist is a regular dentist who is an expert in the area of Dental Sleep Medicine. They that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Can dental problems cause sleep apnea?
Sleep problems, such as snoring and insomnia, are signs of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can contribute to oral health problems and dental problems can also cause sleep apnea.
What is dental sleep apnea?
The therapy works by placing a custom-fitted oral device that fits like a mouthguard or dental retainer. It helps by preventing the narrowing of the airway and allowing you to breathe. An oral appliance device can help you get a good night's sleep and will improve the quality of your health and well-being.
How do you know if you have central sleep apnea?
Common signs and symptoms of central sleep apnea include:Observed episodes of not breathing or abnormal breathing patterns during sleep.Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath.Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)Difficulty concentrating.Mood changes.More items...•
How does an oral appliance for sleep apnea work?
Oral appliances work by pushing or pulling your lower jaw forward. By doing this, your tongue is kept in a position that does not block your airway. This reduces the risk of snoring or that your tongue may obstruct your airway during sleep.