Detecting and Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Your Dentist's Vital Role

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder that can have severe health implications. While it's widely recognized that OSA can be detected and treated by sleep specialists, many people are unaware of the crucial role that dentists can play in identifying and managing this condition.

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder marked by recurrent interruptions in breathing during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, leading to airway blockages and breathing cessation. OSA can lead to severe health complications, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and more.

Recognizing Signs of OSA

While loud snoring is one of the most common symptoms of OSA, this disorder can manifest in various ways, making it challenging to identify. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Gasping or choking during sleep: If you or your partner frequently wake up gasping or choking during the night, it may be a sign of OSA.
• Restless, fragmented sleep patterns: OSA can disrupt your sleep, causing you to wake up multiple times during the night.
• Waking up with a dry or sore throat: The repeated airway blockages can lead to throat irritation.
• Daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating: OSA can leave you feeling exhausted during the day, impacting your mood and cognitive function.
• Decreased libido: OSA can affect your overall quality of life, including your sexual health.

Your Dentist's Pivotal Role in OSA Detection

During routine dental check-ups, your dentist can identify potential signs of OSA by:

• Bruxism Examination: Dentists assess for teeth grinding (bruxism) and tooth surface wear, a common accompaniment to OSA.
• Tongue and Throat Inspection: Dentists examine for scalloped tongue edges and throat redness, indicators often associated with OSA.

Once potential signs of OSA are detected, your dentist can work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to manage this condition effectively. One crucial aspect of OSA treatment is the use of oral appliances.

A Solution for Sleep Apnea

If you are dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, you likely face a variety of symptoms that can negatively affect your overall health and daily activities. Traditionally, the primary solution has been the use of a CPAP machine, which provides a continuous stream of air to prevent breathing interruptions. While effective, CPAP machines can be bulky and inconvenient. Thankfully, there is an alternative option that provides the hope of long-lasting relief. The Vivos device represents an innovative treatment that has shown impressive results in alleviating the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Vivos is a personalized biometric device that you use every night during your sleep for a period of 12 to 24 months. Interestingly, within the first few days of using it, many patients notice a significant improvement in their symptoms and sleep quality. Dr. Lee makes periodic adjustments to ensure the best possible results. By the end of your treatment program, many patients no longer require further intervention.

This state-of-the-art therapeutic system employs a custom-designed oral appliance tailored to address mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, it effectively eliminates chronic snoring and deals with various sleep-related breathing disorders in adults.

Getting Started

After a home sleep test and an accurate diagnosis, it is time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee to see if Vivos can provide you with the relief you need. A thorough examination can include a health questionnaire and screening, head and neck exam, CBCT scan, and intraoral photos and measurements.

Airway Intelligence Report

With the results of your examination, a customized treatment plan will be created to help you breathe and sleep comfortably using an Airway Intelligence Report, which features:

• Complete assessment and evaluation
• Airway measurements
• Treatment goals
• Personalized treatment plan
• Financing options

What to expect with Vivos

For optimal treatment outcomes, maintaining a healthy sleep routine and balanced nutrition is essential. As you progress through your treatment plan, here's what you can anticipate on your journey:

1. Enhanced Sleep Quality
2. Increased Vitality and Energy
3. Improved Dietary Habits and Nutrition
4. Regular Consultations and Follow-up with Dr. Lee

Upon completing your treatment, you will have adopted a healthier lifestyle that enables you to continue feeling your best while ensuring restful sleep. This non-surgical approach addresses maxillary hypoplasia (underdeveloped upper jaw) and mandibular retrognathia (underdeveloped lower jaw) by gently expanding the palate over several months and repositioning the lower jaw for greater comfort. Consequently, you can enjoy permanent relief from sleep apnea symptoms without ever requiring a CPAP machine or surgery.

Alexandra Park Dental offers comprehensive dental services, including OSA detection, to safeguard your oral and overall well-being. Contact us today at 587.671.1378 or visit our website to schedule an appointment and take proactive steps toward addressing OSA-related concerns.