The Role Of a Dentist in Nashville When it Comes to Treating Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a surprisingly common sleeping disorder that affects around 25 million individuals in the US. While sleep apnea might not seem like a big deal, it carries severe and often life-threatening risks. As a dentist in Nashville, we at Dillard Dental Services we cannot diagnose sleep apnea but we do specialize in treating sleep apnea. Many patients who suffer from sleep apnea or know a patient that does aren’t sure how a dentist can help in treating sleep apnea. The confusion is understandable; however, sleep apnea is often recognized as a possible problem by your dentist. Many of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are present in your oral and dental health, so it makes perfect sense why dentists may notice it first and can effectively treat it. If you aren’t sure how exactly we can treat sleep apnea, then keep reading this article because, by the end of it, you will be able to fully understand what role dentists play in treating this sleep disorder.
How Can a Nashville Family Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
As a Nashville family dentist that offers sleep apnea treatment, we closely work with the physicians that diagnose your disorder to design customized oral devices that can alleviate sleep apnea. While an oral appliance isn’t the right treatment for everyone with sleep apnea, it is often effective in controlling sleep apnea for many people. By ensuring proper breathing during sleep, these devices can prevent airway blockage as you sleep so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep without interruptions.
What Devices Do We Use To Treat Sleep Apnea?
As a dentist in Nashville who treats sleep apnea using oral devices, we often get asked about their use to treat the sleeping disorder. The device we use is custom designed according to each patient’s mouth, and this device prevents your tongue from blocking your airway as you sleep, which helps you breathe normally during sleep. Once your doctor refers you to us, we will test if you are a good candidate for a sleep apnea device; we will then take a digital scan of your teeth. This digital impression will be used to create a custom device specifically made for your mouth. We will then schedule an appointment to fit the sleep device for you, and we will explain how to use the device when sleeping. You may also need to come to our clinic later to make adjustments to your sleep device and maintain the device’s effectiveness. With continued care, you can keep the symptoms of sleep apnea at bay, and we will guide you and provide the care needed to help you in sleeping properly at night.
Why is it Important to Get Sleep Apnea Treated as Soon as Possible?
It’s important to get sleep apnea treated as soon as it is diagnosed. There are serious health risks associated with sleep apnea. High blood pressure, depression, and weight gain are all associated with untreated sleep apnea.
So, if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you should immediately consult with your doctor and schedule a consultation with us.