How to Get Dental Work With Sleep Apnea
Many dentists specialize in sleep apnea conditions. They are even part of a treatment team. For patients that aren't able to use a CPAP machine, dentists are able to prescribe a mouthpiece to treat sleep apnea. Several mouthpieces are available. Even with this condition, patients can still have routine dental work done.
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes a person to stop breathing while asleep. It can last from a few seconds to minutes. This disturbs the sleep cycle, and many people with sleep apnea feel tired during the day. Many times it's characterized by loud snoring that stops and starts throughout the night.
Dental Work
Sleep apnea generally doesn't affect routine dental work. You can still get your regular cleanings, x-rays, and fillings. You will want to make sure that your dentist is aware that you have this condition.
Should you need a procedure requiring you to be put to sleep, extra steps might need to be taken to ensure your airways stay open. Patients with sleep apnea should not be put to sleep without their doctor being aware of this condition. Additional steps might need to be taken to ensure that you're okay during the procedure. This applies even if it's a simple surgery like wisdom teeth extraction.
Dental Mouthpiece
Many dentists are involved with the treatment of sleep apnea. Some patients wear a mouthpiece that treat this condition. The mouthpiece fits inside your mouth to keep your airway open. It is FDA approved and generally an alternative treatment if the CPAP is not working out. If you are using one of these, you will want to make sure to get routine checkups with your dentist to ensure proper fitting.
While there are over 40 mouthpieces available for sleep apnea treatment, only 16 are FDA approved. This means that those 16 underwent extensive testing. You will want to choose a device that is going to feel comfortable while asleep, as you have to sleep with it every night.
Sleep Apnea Dentists
Although you should be able to visit any board-certified dentist for your dental needs, there are dentists that specialize in sleep apnea. They are pretty widespread, and it's likely there are dentists like this in your area. A dentist that specializes in this condition will have the most updated information regarding sleep apnea and might be able to offer different treatments a more traditional dentist would not be aware of.