Dentists Who Treat Sleep Apnea Questions and Answers

Dentists play a key role in evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients who are suffering from sleep-related breathing disorders. With a patient’s full medical history, a dentist can identify symptoms and begin to develop an individualized treatment plan. If appropriate, they may also refer them to a doctor who specializes in treating their condition. Following a physical evaluation, diagnosis and sleep test, the dentist can help determine if an oral appliance would be an effective treatment option for their sleep disorder. Only those trained in dental sleep disorders can provide the appropriate oral appliance and optimize the fit for the patient, such as the team of professionals at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. Throughout the patient’s sleep apnea treatment, the dentist will communicate and follow-up with the patient to track progress and ensure the best treatment.

For most people with sleep apnea, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is sometimes recommended as the first treatment measure. Delivering a continuous stream of pressurized air throughout the night, CPAP therapy helps keep the airways open to avoid breathing interruptions during sleep. It is often regarded as one of the best ways to support someone with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Garnering lots of attention lately, and for good reason, oral appliances can help those with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Successful treatment may also include using both an oral appliance and a CPAP machine to ensure the most effective reduction of symptoms.

Oral appliances should only be used when recommended by the dentist who is overseeing the patient’s treatment plan for obstructive sleep apnea. After an oral appliance has been created by a dentist who specializes in sleep medicine, they will then follow up with their patient and help adjust the treatment plan as needed.

The best dental device for sleep apnea is a mandibular advancement device (MAD), which is the most widely used mouth device for sleep apnea. Their appearance resembles a mouth guard, which are commonly used in sports. The devices snap over both the upper and lower dental arches. They are equipped with metal hinges that enable the lower jaw to be eased forward. This enables airflow to pass through the mouth and throat more easily.

Sleep specialists come from a variety of different healthcare professions. They may be neurologists, pulmonologists, otolaryngologists, psychiatrists, primary care physicians and dentists. Some dentists also have specialized training in the surgical treatment of sleep disorders affecting breathing, which includes sleep apnea.

If you or someone you love is struggling with sleep apnea, the medical professionals at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders can help. Our doctors are experienced in treating sleep apnea and have a specialized focus to ensure the highest quality of care. Our kind and compassionate professionals welcome each and every patient on a journey to better sleep, and a better quality of life. We serve patients all over the US, and have offices located in Bloomington IL, Peoria/Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, El Paso TX and Wausau WI. We look forward to serving you!