If you’re looking to get rid of or replace your CPAP machine with something less invasive, you may want to ask your physician if an oral sleep appliance is right for you. But if you’re not currently seeing a sleep specialist, Dr. Mark can guide you through the process as to screening, diagnosis and treatment.
Do I Have a Sleeping Disorder?
Sleeping disorders can range from problematic snoring to various types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms can include signs and symptoms of:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness throughout the day
- Weight gain
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Large neck circumference
- Flattened or broken teeth
- Headaches and migraines
- Waking up tired
During your dental exam, Dr. Mark will be able to observe symptoms of bruxism (clenching and grinding,) which could be indicative of a sleeping disorder. When people are deprived of oxygen at night, their jaws often tend to clench and engage the teeth tightly against one another. This will ultimately lead to worn enamel, flat teeth, and broken dental work.
If we suspect that you might have a sleeping disorder, Dr. Mark will likely recommend a home sleep study to confirm the diagnosis and best method of treatment.
How a Dentist Can Help
Obstructive sleep apnea is closely related to your individual oral anatomy. No one knows your mouth better than a dentist. By fitting you with a special mouthpiece, our Forest Hills sleep dentist can position your lower jaw in a slightly forwards position, where the soft tissues at the back of your mouth do not seal off your airway.
Once an impression of your teeth is taken, the snore or apnea guard is made so that it situates your mandible (lower jaw) in a way that guides your tongue forwards. That way when you lay back to go to sleep, it’s not as likely for your tongue to seal against your tonsils, soft palate (roof of your mouth) and esophagus.
Only a sleep dentist can fit someone with a sleep apnea appliance. They can be prescribed like a CPAP machine by your physician, but medical device companies are not able to provide the sleep aids since they fall under a dental appliance and require a dentist’s intervention.
