Many people suffer from sleep apnea, which is a medical condition that causes a person’s airway to become closed off while they are sleeping. The condition can cause medical complications if it goes untreated, but thankfully dentists are working with other medical professionals to diagnose, treat and manage it.
Dental sleep apnea treatment is becoming more popular, and with good reason. Many patients find this type of treatment to be quite successful, which is why it is important to understand who is a candidate. This article outlines that information so that patients seeking treatment can be prepared for what the dentist may tell them.
Determining candidates for sleep apnea treatment
Outlined below is information regarding what makes someone a candidate for sleep apnea treatment from a dentist. Keep reading to find out more!
Disruptive sleeping patterns
Patients who experience disruptive sleeping patterns may be candidates for sleep apnea treatment. Disruptive sleeping patterns include difficulty falling or staying asleep, as well as waking up with breathing troubles.
Dental sleep apnea treatment can tackle disruptive sleeping patterns throughout the night. Some of the more common options include CPAP machines or oral appliances to help lower the chances that the patient will struggle with sleeping.
Severe snoring
Snoring is a main symptom of sleep apnea, and dental sleep specialists often monitor the patient’s sleeping patterns to determine if snoring takes place or not. Patients who suffer from this symptom may make good candidates for sleep apnea treatment.
When patients snore, it often causes issues within their sinuses and nasal cavities. Long-term, snoring can cause pain, as well as problems with the way the patient breathes. Most dentists will want patients who snore to undergo sleep apnea treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid future complications.
Morning-after symptoms
Patients who wake up with severe symptoms, such as headaches, ongoing fatigue or even a sore throat will likely make good candidates for sleep apnea treatment. These symptoms can disrupt the patient’s day, which could become a problem both personally and professionally later on down the line.
Sleep apnea often causes fatigue because the patient is not able to sleep through the night. Patients are also likely experience headaches and a sore throat the next day. When the airway becomes obstructed for multiple periods of time, the body will react appropriately. In this case, the reaction can cause long-term damage.
Get started today!
Sleep apnea treatment can be done through dentistry. It is often a good idea to explore all kinds of treatment to determine what would be most efficient. However, certain sleep apnea treatments may not always be effective for everyone, which is why it is important to consult with a dentist. Being aware of who is a candidate for what type of treatment can be extremely helpful.
Reach out with any questions regarding sleep apnea treatment. Our dental sleep specialists can help get you started today.
