At Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, Dr. Ting helps patients to treat their sleep apnea with dental appliances. Obstructive sleep apnea affects millions of adults. This occurs when a blocked or collapsed airway causes pauses in breathing while sleeping. This condition can cause significant health issues to those who leave it untreated for their life.
The dentist’s role in treating sleep apnea
Thanks to dental appliances, we can help you resolve your sleep apnea symptoms. This also helps your oral health at the same time because it helps restore saliva flow in your mouth. Restricted saliva flow can lead to increased plaque and tartar in your mouth, leading to tooth decay or periodontal disease. During a dental exam, we can evaluate your teeth and gums and listen to your symptoms to make a formal diagnosis.
Identifying the signs of sleep apnea
Dentists experienced in sleep dentistry, will first detect signs of sleep apnea in the patients. During a normal intraoral cavity exam, we will look for a narrow arch that may limit breathing, a hard palate, and other signs that a dentist can detect that is common in sleep apnea patients.
How we treat sleep apnea with dental appliances
Oral appliance therapy is a custom-fit oral appliance that helps improve your sleep and resolve symptoms of sleep apnea. It is worn during sleep and fits like a retainer. It supports the jaw in a forward position, which leaves the airway open while you sleep. They are easy to wear, comfortable, portable, and easy to care for too.
We will take impressions of your teeth to make a custom model of your teeth for your oral appliance. When it’s ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. It will be adjusted to ensure its comfort. You will also be taught how to properly clean and maintain it.
Learn how sleep apnea can improve your overall health and oral health
When you want to learn more about how our dentist can treat sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with our professional dental team, by calling 610-550-3333. We can create a custom oral appliance that helps resolve your oral and overall health at once. We serve patients in Paoli, Malvern, Berwyn, and the surrounding Pennsylvania communities with advanced periodontal procedures and dental implant treatments.
