Can a General Dentist Help My Sleep Apnea?

general dentist Downey, CA

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://downeyfamilydentistry.com or call Downey Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (562) 320-8414 for an appointment in our Downey office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

What To Expect During An Exam From A General Dentist

A General dentist would typically advise their patients to visit the dental office every six months for an examination. It allows the dentist to monitor the patient's oral health. Also, the exam helps them check whether previous oral issues are healing correctly and gives a chance to detect any new dangers to the oral cavity.…

7 Ways To Improve Your Smile With A Smile Makeover

Interested in a smile makeover? Many individuals are considering smile makeover procedures to improve the way their smile appears, which includes both the teeth and gums. There are a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can be used during the smile makeover process to enhance one's smile, ranging from tooth replacement to dental restorations. Read…

5 Services An Experienced Cosmetic Dentist Can Offer

Visiting an experienced cosmetic dentist is the first step towards achieving a smile you are proud to show off each day. Experienced cosmetic dentists can address a range of concerns, including teeth stains, damaged teeth, misshapen teeth, short teeth, and misalignments.Every cosmetic dentist will offer different services, depending on their training and preference. However, most…

When Is A Tooth Extraction Necesssary?

While dentists will often do everything possible to save a tooth no matter the age of the patient, there are some situations where tooth extraction is necessary. When it comes to removing teeth, there are two different types of extractions a dentist or oral surgeon can use depending on the reason for removal: Simple extraction…

Recent Posts

What To Expect During An Exam From A General Dentist

What To Expect During An Exam From A General Dentist

A General dentist would typically advise their patients to visit the dental office every six months for an examination. It allows the dentist to monitor the patient's oral health. Also, the exam helps them check whether previous oral issues are healing correctly and gives a chance to detect any new dangers to the oral cavity.…

Ways To Improve Your Smile With A Smile Makeover

7 Ways To Improve Your Smile With A Smile Makeover

Interested in a smile makeover? Many individuals are considering smile makeover procedures to improve the way their smile appears, which includes both the teeth and gums. There are a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can be used during the smile makeover process to enhance one's smile, ranging from tooth replacement to dental restorations. Read…