What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, often when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep.
Common signs may include:
- Loud or persistent snoring
- Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
Because untreated sleep apnea can affect sleep quality and overall health, appropriate evaluation and diagnosis are important.
How Can a Dentist Help With Sleep Apnea?
A dentist familiar with sleep-disordered breathing can evaluate your oral health and discuss whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate.
For some patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance can help reposition the jaw or tongue to improve airway openness during sleep. Because dentists do not diagnose sleep apnea solely through an oral examination, a sleep study or evaluation by a qualified sleep physician may be recommended when OSA is suspected.
Our team can also coordinate care with your physician or sleep specialist when appropriate.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
For appropriate patients, oral appliance therapy may:
- Help maintain a more open airway during sleep
- Reduce snoring
- Improve sleep quality
- Improve daytime alertness
- Provide a less cumbersome alternative to CPAP for some patients
- Offer a convenient and portable treatment option
What to Expect
Treatment begins with a consultation to discuss your symptoms, health history, and sleep concerns. If sleep apnea is suspected, we may recommend a sleep study or referral to a qualified sleep physician for diagnosis.
If an oral appliance is appropriate for you, a custom device will be designed to fit comfortably and support your airway during sleep. Follow-up visits allow us to monitor your comfort, oral health, and treatment response and make adjustments when needed.
Let’s take the First Step toward Better Sleep
If you or your partner have noticed loud snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping during sleep, or persistent daytime fatigue, don't ignore the signs.
Call Advanced & Comfort Dentistry at 610-432-1200 to schedule a sleep apnea consultation in Whitehall PA 18052. We can help you understand your options and determine whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for you.
