At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges is a skilled Duncan, OK, general dentist, who has been named a Qualified Dentist by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is also a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and takes ongoing education in this important field. 

But how exactly can a dentist treat a sleep disorder? Read on to learn more. Then contact our office to schedule an appointment and find out how you can enjoy relief from your symptoms. 

How can a general dentist treat sleep apnea?

The connection between dentistry and a sleep disorder is not immediately apparent. In fact, there are two forms of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is uncommon, affecting an estimated 0.9% of Americans. It is often related to other health conditions and may require the care of a neurological expert or other physician. 

On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea is often caused by improper jaw position. As the facial muscles relax during sleep, soft tissues can droop into the throat, blocking normal breathing. A dentist can easily treat OSA with a small oral appliance. The device realigns the jaw to keep the airways open. Because these appliances are similar to retainers, dentists are uniquely suited to provide this treatment.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea? 

Sleep apnea often causes the following symptoms:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Loud snoring
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Dry mouth 
• Headaches
• Waking up with gasps for air
• Irritability 
• Insomnia

I snore. Does that mean I have sleep apnea?

Not necessarily. 94% of OSA patients report chronic snoring. However, up to 60% of the general population snores, and only an estimated 7% of these suffer from sleep apnea. If you snore, you should schedule a consultation with a general dentist, but don’t assume that you have OSA. 

What happens if I don’t seek treatment?

The reason it is so important to schedule a consultation, even if you only suspect sleep apnea, is that the condition can have a major impact on your overall health and quality of life. First, it can cause excessive fatigue, which can affect your mood, your performance at work, and your personal relationships. Plus, drivers with sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a car accident.

On top of that, sleep apnea can increase your risk for serious health complications, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Atrial fibrillation
• Metabolic syndrome
• Abnormal liver function 
• Complications with healing following surgery

A simple oral appliance provided by your general dentist in Duncan, OK, can quickly improve the quality of your sleep and reduce your risk for these life-threatening conditions.

Schedule an Appointment with Your General Dentist in Duncan, OK

Treatment for OSA is fast and simple, yet highly effective. Protect your health today by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bridges. 

You can complete our online contact form or call us at 580-255-4880.

The post “How can a general dentist treat sleep apnea?” and Other FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dr. Matthew Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center is a highly trained dentist. He offers thorough, effective care for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. Contact us today to learn more about our treatments and why our practice is an outstanding choice when searching for sleep dentistry near me.

1. Choose Someone with Specialized Training

Sleep apnea and snoring treatment is a specialized branch of dentistry. Dr. Bridges has been named a Qualified Dentist by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This organization describes itself as “the only professional society dedicated exclusively to the medical subspecialty of sleep medicine.”  It has rigorous standards for certification and continuing education. In short, when you choose a dentist who has been qualified by this organization, you know you will be receiving treatment from someone with a high level of expertise and skill. 

2. Find a practitioner who offers detailed diagnoses. 

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. But not everyone who snores has OSA, and not everyone with OSA snores. That is why it is important to find a sleep dentist who understands the many varied symptoms of this disorder. Dr. Bridges will provide a home sleep test, a wearable monitor that will collect comprehensive data about your sleep cycles and patterns. This will enable him to provide a more accurate and thorough diagnosis. 

3. Search for someone who understands the systemic impact of OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea can have major effects for your overall physical wellness. Left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. Thanks to his advanced training, Dr. Brides is fully aware of these systemic issues. 

4. Look for someone who treats sleep conditions collaboratively.

Because of the overall health risks associated with sleep apnea, it can often be more effective to take a team approach to treatment. While a dentist can provide the necessary oral treatment, a medical doctor can address other health issues that may play a contributing role in the development of the condition. Dr. Bridges collaborates with a local sleep specialist, Dr. Jones, so you are guaranteed truly comprehensive care. 

5. Find a dentist who offers multiple treatment options.

Through his collaboration with Dr. Jones, Dr. Bridges follows the joint clinical practice guidelines for oral appliance therapy, issued by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. These guidelines suggest that CPAP therapy is often the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP device emits a stream of air through a mask so that patients’ throats remain clear and open while they sleep. Though this can be effective, however, many patients are unable to tolerate the devices. In these instances, oral appliance therapy can be a great alternative.

Like those made to treat TMJ Disorder, oral appliances are tailor-made devices that fit over the teeth and gently realign the jaw. This helps to tighten soft tissues in the palate and throat, keeping the airways open. Dr. Bridges can provide very comfortable and effective appliances. At the same time, he can also guide you in making lifestyle choices, such as weight loss or quitting smoking, which can reduce your risk for OSA. 

Still searching for sleep dentistry near me? Contact us today! 

Stop looking for “sleep dentistry near me” and start enjoying a full night’s rest. To learn more about our sleep apnea and snoring treatment and to find out why Dr. Bridges is a great choice for your care, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today. You can reach us online or call us at 580-255-4880. 

The post 5 Things to Consider When Searching for Sleep Dentistry Near Me appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

OSA is a disorder where people repeatedly stop breathing during sleep due to collapsed or blocked airways. Dentists screen for sleep apnea because it can cause dry mouth oral inflammation, and several other oral and overall health issues. 

Loud snoring is a common symptom for people with obstructive sleep apnea. If the snoring is loud enough to wake a spouse or partner, it is usually an indication of sleep apnea. 

What causes sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea has many possible causes and is more common in older men who are overweight. Alcohol use, smoking, and family history may also play a role. 

In addition to snoring, some common symptoms of sleep apnea include: 

• Migraines
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Daytime exhaustion

While sleep apnea isn’t necessarily hereditary, close relatives of people with the condition have a 50% higher risk of developing the condition. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, talk to your dentist immediately. 

How is sleep apnea treated?

There are several approaches to treating sleep apnea, but you may have to get tested by a sleep specialist first. Dentists routinely screen for sleep apnea because the condition causes patients to breathe through their mouths. 

Mouth breathing can lead to tooth decay and an unhealthy “climate” in the mouth. Here are a few ways that dentists and doctors treat sleep apnea. 

1. Lifestyle changes

Sometimes, a lifestyle change is all it takes to address sleep apnea. Patients may need to lose weight or elevate their torsos while sleeping. They may also find that they sleep better at night if they drink less alcohol. 

Overall, a healthy diet high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables could go a long way toward addressing sleep apnea. Whether it’s a long-term solution depends upon the individual. 

2. CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure)

A CPAP machine helps people with sleep apnea by increasing airflow to the lungs at night. It is worn over the face while sleeping, and during the day if the patient feels short of breath. 

CPAP machines are common but a bit bulky. Newer models make it easier to wear the mask during sleep, but overall they do take some getting used to. 

3. Oral appliances

Oral appliances are usually made out of plastic and help open airways during sleep. They open the mouth slightly and look similar to the mouthguards that athletes use. 

Appliances are custom pieces of equipment that are designed to make sleeping more comfortable. Patients who use them should use them consistently for best results. 

4. Healing or managing underlying illnesses

Unfortunately, sleep apnea is sometimes a sign of deeper illness. Upon examination, it may be a symptom of heart disease or digestive malfunction. Patients with acid reflux or bowel disorders should speak with their dentist about the full range of their symptoms. 

Any imbalance or infection in the mouth will affect the entire body. Talk to your dentist about your (or your spouse’s) snoring habits for more information about treating sleep apnea. 

Sleep Apnea Test in Duncan, OK

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, we can help. 
Dr. Matthew L. Bridges has been serving the Greater Duncan, OK area for decades. Call us at (580) 255-4880 to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you!

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