Dental Treatment Options for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Posted on 10/31/2023 by DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea often result from anatomical issues treatable by dental appliances and procedures. Oral therapies provide comfortable alternatives to CPAP and open-airway surgery for better rest.
Causes of Airway Constriction
Snoring and sleep apnea happen when relaxed tissues obstruct breathing passages during sleep. Causes include enlarged tonsils, deviated septum, receding jaw, large neck circumference, and excess pharyngeal tissue. Dentists can identify contributing factors.
Signs and Symptoms
Telltale symptoms include loud habitual snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, waking gasping for air, morning headaches and dry mouth, and daytime drowsiness. These substantially disrupt sleep quality and health. Diagnostic sleep studies confirm sleep apnea severity.
[[H2:Potential Oral Appliance Therapies]] Custom-fabricated mandibular advancement gadgets are designed to shift the lower jaw ahead, widening the narrowed air passages. This procedure enables more unobstructed airflow, which is vital for healthy sleep breathing. Simultaneously, tongue-retaining implements play a crucial role in keeping the tongue from retracting into a position where it might obstruct the free flow of air. These devices are both resourceful and practical tools in the hands of medical experts.
Utilized together or individually, they have proven to be highly effective in treating mild to moderate cases of apnea and persistent snoring in many patients. The success of these tools enhances the quality of sleep for many and contributes to their overall health and well-being.
Surgical Options
For severe apnea and anatomical causes, maxillofacial surgery repositions the jaw, reinforces the soft palate, or removes obstructive mouth and throat tissues. Palatal implants stiffen the palate. Though invasive, properly selected surgeries offer permanent solutions.
Supplemental Lifestyle Changes
Weight loss reduces obesity-associated apnea severity. Stopping smoking and alcohol also helps with symptoms. Side sleep positioning keeps airways open more than sleeping on the back. Stress management assists as well. Combining therapies brings added relief.
The Dental Team Approach
Dentists work together with sleep physicians to diagnose and develop integrated treatment plans using the least invasive options suitable for each case. With personalized care, patients find restful nights again. Instead of CPAP dependency, today's dental therapies offer simpler alternatives to resolve sleep disorders permanently or long-term.
About | Dentist Spring Hill, FL | DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi We here at O'Sullivan, DeLuca & Ressel Dental Care want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Click to learn more about us! DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care - Dr. James DeLuca DMD, Dr. Nick Ressel DMD, 3429 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609 | (352) 666-9898 | springhilldentist.com | 1/24/2025 | Page Keywords: dentist spring hill fl |
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea often result from anatomical issues treatable by dental appliances and procedures. Oral therapies provide comfortable alternatives to CPAP and open-airway surgery for better rest.