Are you struggling with sleeplessness? Then your dentist in Nashville can help you. The disturbances, like snoring and lack of sleeping are the main symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can be connected with your oral health.
Role of Dentist in Sleep Apnea
Today, around 25 million Americans are struggling with sleep apnea. These statistics are staggering and show health concerns. As claimed by the American Dental Association (ADA), the dentist has a role in diagnosing patients with breathing problems that cause sleeplessness.
After diagnosing the problem, a dentist can refer you to the appropriate doctor. There you will have a proper evaluation and sleep tests to determine if you qualify to get oral device treatment.
Treatments Offered By Dentist for Sleep Apnea
All Nashville’s best dentist focusing on treating snoring and sleep apnea has the specialization in a field called dental sleep medicine. These experts collaborate with different doctors and clinicians to devise a suitable plan for the patient. The dentist will help you in the treatment of OSA through oral appliances therapy.
Usually, the first treatment recommendation treatment for sleep apnea patients is to get CPAP, but if the OSA is beyond the tolerance level, it is time to visit your dentist. When you visit your dental clinic in Nashville, TN, the orthodontist or a dentist will fit the oral device for you to wear each night.
The devices that the dentists use include:
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
It is the most common and widely used mouth device used in the treatment of sleep apnea. It looks similar to the mouth guards that you usually see athletes wear while playing. This device fits over the upper and lower jaws that are connected by a hinge. With this device, the lower jaw and tongue stays in a slightly forward position to keep the soft tissues at the back of the mouth and throat from blocking out the airway. It helps the patient to get relax and sleep in peace.
The best dentist in Nashville, TN, can customize the fit of the MADs to the position where it provides more comfort and effectiveness.
Tongue-Retaining Mouthpiece
This device isn’t as common as MAD. It resembles the pacifier that keeps your tongue in the forward position, assisting in alleviating snoring and airway blockage. This oral device is suitable for patients who suffer from Macroglossia (airway blockage due to big tongue).
If you are looking to treat your sleep apnea with dentists in Nashville, visit Dillard Dental Services to get the best services.
Who Needs To Get Oral Devices?
The patients who have mild to the moderate condition of sleep apnea are qualified for getting this treatment. It is also more suitable for those who sleep on their backs or stomachs. The dental devices will help them to improve their sleep and also reduces the loudness of snoring.
The oral devices have proven to provide long-term control on the condition compared to UPPP, a surgical procedure to cure patients with sleep apnea.
Drawbacks of Oral Devices for Sleep Apnea
The dental devices have some potential drawbacks. Some of them include,
- Dry lips
- Excessive salivation
- Movement of teeth
- Arthritis of the temporal TMJ
- Altered bite
If you use dental devices for sleep apnea, arrange periodic appointments with your dentist in Nashville to keep track of the progress. The dentist can also modify the device depending upon the requirements. The treatment plan for sleep apnea depends upon several reasons, including the severity of your condition. Visit your dentist to select a suitable treatment option for your problem of sleep apnea.
