Could Your Sleeping Problems Be Treated at Your Prosthodontist's Office?
Posted on 2/3/2025 by Dr. David Wanserski |
 We often associate dental visits with cleanings, fillings, and crowns, but did you know that your prosthodontist may also be able to help you with your sleeping problems?
Oral care goes beyond just brushing and flossing. It also encompasses the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can happen hundreds of times a night, causing you to gasp for air and briefly wake up. As a result, you may not get enough restful sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This is the most common type, where the airway becomes blocked during sleep due to relaxed throat muscles. |
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Central sleep apnea (CSA): This occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing, leading to pauses in breathing. |
How Can a Prosthodontist Help with Sleep Apnea?
While traditional treatments for sleep apnea involve the use of a CPAP machine or surgery, prosthodontists can offer an alternative solution in the form of oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliances are custom-made mouthpieces that gently reposition your jaw and tongue to open up your airway during sleep. They are comfortable to wear and effective in treating mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
There are several benefits to using an oral appliance for sleep apnea:
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Non-invasive: Unlike CPAP therapy, oral appliances do not require any masks or tubing, making them a more comfortable option for many patients. |
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Portable: You can easily take your oral appliance with you when you travel. |
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Less disruptive: Oral appliances are relatively quiet, so they are less likely to disturb your sleep or your partner's sleep. |
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Improved quality of sleep: By treating sleep apnea, oral appliances can help you get a better night's sleep, leading to improved energy levels, mood, and concentration during the day. |
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you, including oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy is not suitable for everyone, and it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your prosthodontist. However, for many people, oral appliances can be a safe and effective way to treat sleep apnea and improve their quality of life.
Restoration Dentistry: A Holistic Approach to Oral Health
Your prosthodontist is a specialist in restorative dentistry, which focuses on restoring the function and appearance of your teeth. This includes not only treating cavities and replacing missing teeth but also addressing sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea.
By taking a holistic approach to oral health, your prosthodontist can help you achieve optimal oral and overall health.
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