Snoring And Sleep Apnea Treatment At The Dentist’s Office
Today’s dental offices treat more than tooth decay and gum disease. Willow Creek Dentistry in Rochester, New York, has invested in training and technologies to manage conditions such as snoring and sleep apnea. While snoring on its own is not harmful to your health, it can damage your relationships. It can affect your entire household’s ability to get uninterrupted, restorative sleep. It may also be secondary to a serious condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
“Apnea” is translated from the Greek word apnoia, which means “without breath.” Sleep apnea is a form of disordered breathing that occurs during sleep, when individuals are most relaxed. As its very definition suggests, sleep apnea is a serious condition that requires prompt care.
The right treatment approaches revolve around a clear and accurate understanding of the nature of your apnea. You may be diagnosed with one of three types:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Complex (mixed) sleep apnea
OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea.
What are the symptoms of OSA?
OSA arises when the muscles at the back of the throat become overly lax during sleep. These tissues then block the airway. In a state of panic, your brain triggers a response that abruptly resumes breathing. Since the breathing restarts so suddenly, it may be accompanied by loud gasps, choking, or snorts. This process of the airway being closed and then reopening is often repeated, over and over again, throughout the night. Very loud and habitual snoring is also a hallmark of OSA. Snoring itself is simply the noise made when the air passing through your airway vibrates against tissues in the throat.
Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?
Due to the lack of uninterrupted, quality sleep, patients with OSA tend to have unexplained, chronic fatigue and sleepiness. They may be irritable, experience morning headaches, and have difficulty concentrating during the day. The lack of adequate oxygenation during sleep also strains the internal organs. So, OSA should not go untreated. Prompt treatment helps prevent the many serious complications of OSA and supports your quality of life.
How do you treat snoring and sleep apnea?
Dentists provide a range of oral appliances, devices worn in the mouth that are customized to fit the unique contours and specifications of your mouth. These appliances include oral splints, mandibular advancement devices (MADs), and “snoreguards.” Such devices adjust the tissues that contribute to OSA and other airway problems. For instance, a MAD moves the mandible or lower jaw forward. The tissues in the throat are repositioned when we move or advance the lower jaw. As patients with OSA relax, these tissues are no longer in the way and do not block their airway during sleep. They can breathe continuously through the night and wake up feeling rested.
Is oral appliance therapy right for all patients with OSA?
The CPAP mask/machine remains an effective treatment. However, an oral appliance may be appropriate for those individuals who do not tolerate CPAP. Willow Creek Dentistry patients like that these devices are easy to adjust to, a breeze to wear, and require little maintenance. They are also easy to transport in a small case.
To determine if you are a good candidate for oral appliance therapy, we must first understand your needs, including the type and severity of your sleep-disordered breathing. While dentists do not diagnose sleep apnea, we are aware of potential signs and are equipped to provide non-invasive therapy. Our dentists, Drs Chris Calnon, Scott Koopman, and Molly Hatala, also work with your broader care team (family physician, sleep specialist, etc.) to support effective treatment. Call (585) 889-2559 to speak with a member of our team in Rochester, NY, today.
Meet Our Dental Team
Our experienced team of dentists is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care backed by advanced training and ongoing education.
Together, our doctors bring decades of combined experience, advanced clinical training, and active involvement in professional organizations. Their shared commitment to continuing education and modern dentistry ensures patients receive the highest standard of care in a comfortable, trusted environment.
