Sleep Apnea Treatment From Your Dentist in Hemet

A serious disorder that disrupts a person’s breathing while they sleep, there are three types of sleep apnea: central, mixed, and obstructive. The most common type is obstructive, wherein the upper airway is partially or completely blocked, which prompts the chest and diaphragm muscles to work harder to open the airway. This often results in a body jerk or loud gasp, interrupting the sufferer’s sleep, minimizing their oxygen flow to vital organs, and potentially causing issues with their heart rhythm.

Some common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include snoring, daytime headaches and/or grogginess, sudden nighttime awakenings that involve choking or gasping, dry mouth or sore throat when waking, night sweats, trouble concentrating or feelings of forgetfulness or irritability, and more.

How can my dentist help?

After a sleep study is performed, a sleep professional may recommend that a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine be used for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea. For those experiencing mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance that resembles a mouthguard will often be recommended, since it prevents the tongue from blocking the throat and helps the lower jaw move into a forward position, opening the airway during sleep. Addressing sleep apnea not only improves sleep quality but can also significantly reduce sleep apnea mood swings. These mood swings often result from the chronic sleep disruption caused by sleep apnea, which can lead to irritability, depression, and anxiety. Recognizing the signs of severe sleep apnea is crucial for effective management and prevention of more serious health issues. These signs may include extreme daytime fatigue, loud snoring accompanied by choking or gasping, pauses in breathing during sleep, and morning headaches.

Our dentist will evaluate your unique situation and determine if a dental appliance is ideal for you. If so, an impression will be made of your teeth and one of two devices will be crafted: a mandibular advancement device or a tongue retaining mouthpiece. Each resembles a sports mouthguard (the tongue retaining mouthpiece features a small compartment that fits around the tongue and uses suction to keep it forward) and allows airways to be open while a patient sleeps. While these devices are highly effective for managing sleep apnea, it’s important to be aware of signs that might indicate a sleep apnea emergency. Such signs include severe chest pain, extreme difficulty breathing during sleep, or a sudden increase in blood pressure.

Once the recommended appliance has been created, we’ll schedule a visit to check its fit and walk you through how to care for your device. For ongoing support and adjustments, our sleep apnea dental center is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced professionals dedicated to improving your sleep health.

Have additional questions about how we may be able to help with this condition? Call our office today!