Wondering if a general dentist can help you live with your sleep apnea diagnosis? Many people do not realize that dentists can create oral appliances for their patients when they have been diagnosed with sleeping problems like snoring and sleep apnea. These oral appliances work by preventing the airway from being blocked.
About dental sleep treatment
Finding out if a general dentist has knowledge about dental sleep treatment is the first thing you need to do, as this would mean that they have undergone oral appliance therapy training. These oral appliances are specifically designed to treat breathing disorders and do so by keeping one’s airway open when sleeping at night. This dental practice area focuses on treating patients who have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder that prevents them from getting the sleep they need for good overall health.
Can a general dentist help patients who have sleep apnea?
Yes. This means that some dentists have chosen to help manage and treat any of their patients who have been diagnosed with a sleeping disorder, like sleep apnea. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, dental sleep medicine is an area of dental practice that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
About oral appliance therapy
Oral appliance therapy requires sleep apnea patients to wear a special device in their mouth while sleeping. It is similar to a mouth guard that is worn to protect the teeth when playing sports or an orthodontic retainer. A general dentist can make a custom oral appliance for a patient, as a custom fit is important when it comes to expecting successful results. Oral appliances help keep the jaw and/or tongue in a forward position, which in turn helps keep the airway more open, allowing for easier breathing.
About CPAP machines
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure and is a machine that is an alternative treatment option for those who suffer from sleep apnea breathing problems. The machine works by forcing air through a tube that is connected to the mouth and thus helps keep the airway open when sleeping at night. This means those who need this type of sleep apnea treatment will need to wear a mask over their face while sleeping, which can take some time to getting used to wearing.
Are you in need of treatment?
Would you like to make a general dentist appointment today? When you do, you will be thoroughly evaluated so you can understand what your treatment options are going to be. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, then you know that it can interfere with the overall quality of your life. This means you need to find a treatment option that will work for you, so you can start getting a good night’s sleep and feel better when performing your everyday activities.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hassandentistry.com or call Dr. Mohammed H. Hassan, DMD at (334) 575-3235 for an appointment in our Dothan office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
Transforming Your Smile: Steps to a Successful Smile Makeover
A successful smile makeover can transform how you look and address lingering issues that you may be self-conscious about. Whether you do not like the shade of your teeth or think that …
When to Have an X-Ray Done For Your Child at a Family Dentist
One of the concerns parents often have about their children is the need to get a dental x-ray at the family dentist. The worry stems from the safety of x-rays and radiation …
A General Dentist Answers Questions About Root Canal Therapy
A general dentist is someone who helps individuals maintain a healthy oral cavity, and that includes performing root canal therapy as needed. Root canals are a procedure that often strikes anxiety in …
How Dental Crowns Affect Your Smile
A person’s smile is one of the first things that they show off to the world, and a dental crown is one way to bolster that smile and restore teeth that may …