Using Dentistry to Treat Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Posted on February 24, 2010 3:24AM in Snoring and Sleep Apnea
“A dentist to treat my snoring? Really?”
This is a typical reaction when patients suffering from snoring or sleep apnea are referred to a dentist for treatment. It may not seem obvious right away, but a dentist is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat these sleep-impairing conditions. During their medical training, dentists receive thorough education in the anatomy of the nose, mouth, and throat, which is where snoring and sleep apnea originate.
Many dentists work in tandem with traditional physicians and sleep therapists, but they also treat patients directly using several different methods. In extreme cases, CPAP therapy may be used, where the patient wears a mask attached to a machine that forces air into the mouth and throat, but this cumbersome treatment is usually not a realistic option. As a more practical and less intrusive CPAP alternative, oral appliance therapy has become a common method for eliminating snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
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An oral appliance can be compared to an orthodontic retainer. The dentist takes a mold of the patient’s mouth and creates a custom appliance that fits over the teeth and tongue during sleep, keeping the tongue and throat tissues from blocking the airway. Oral appliances usually don’t interfere with the patient’s lifestyle and routines, and can be discreetly stored or brought along on trips.
Dr. Mark Kleive is an authority in diagnosing and treating snoring and sleep apnea. He and his team provide a warm, welcoming environment, treating the patient instead of just the problem. To learn more about the benefits of oral appliance therapy, visit Dr. Kleive’s snoring and sleep apnea website or contact us to schedule your no-fee, no-obligation consultation.
