03 Oct Questions to Ask Before Starting Oral Appliance Therapy
Maybe your doctor or a medical professional has told you that you have obstructive sleep apnea. Perhaps your partner has threatened to move to another room because of your snoring. Maybe you have had jaw pain for months and want some relief. Any of these scenarios might lead you to explore Oral Appliance Therapy. At Crosspointe Sleep Solutions, please ask any questions you might have so that we can find the answers you need.
Is Your Dentist Trained in Oral Appliance Therapy?
Not every dentist can treat, design, and build an oral appliance. You’ll want to be sure that you choose a dentist with the training and experience. Look for accreditation from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment where a small device is designed to fit into your mouth and keep your airway open. The device spreads the soft tissue in the back of the mouth, preventing it from causing a problem. The device is designed for you specifically by a certified airway specialist.
Who Benefits From Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy works well for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. In many cases, it can reduce or eliminate the need for a CPAP machine. In more severe cases, an oral appliance can still help. The appliance works with the CPAP machine to provide better access to the airway.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Actually?
Obstructive sleep apnea will occur when the soft tissue at the back of the mouth folds over the airway. In mild cases, the tissue may flutter, causing that distinctive snoring sound. For some patients in more severe cases, it can cut off the airway altogether, robbing the sleeper of oxygen. In most cases, the sleeper will awaken, if only for a moment, disrupting sleep. But in more severe cases, this depletion of oxygen can be fatal.
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?
After your dentist measures your mouth and throat and inspects your sleep data, she will design an appliance to hold the tissue open. This allows you to reach and remain in a deep sleep safely.
How Does Your Dentist Measure Success?
After you have used your oral appliance and have determined it is comfortable, your dentist will order an at-home test. If necessary, she will make adjustments to the device. She will then compare the new test’s data to the original test’s data.
Choosing an appliance therapy specialist is a big decision. At Crosspointe Sleep Solutions, we are board certified and trained to answer your questions. Together we can put your concerns to rest.