Sleep Apnea Dentist
BEDFORD Dental Group
Sleep
Sleep Apnea Dentist Beverly Hills
Comfortable Alternatives to Cpap Devices
Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, affects millions worldwide, significantly impacting sleep quality and overall health. A sleep apnea dentist can provide treatment options to alleviate this condition and restore the calm waters of sleep.
At Bedford Dental Group, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with untreated sleep apnea—a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects the quality of sleep and overall health.
Our team of specialized sleep apnea dentists offers a unique approach to diagnosing and treating this condition. We are committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.
How We Diagnose You
At the forefront of our service is our commitment to accurate and thorough diagnosis.
Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and methods, including advanced imaging techniques and sleep studies, we ensure a precise understanding of each patient’s condition.
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment, allowing us to address the specific type of sleep apnea and its underlying causes.
Our patients’ successes speak for themselves—through testimonials and case studies, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our diagnostic approach with our oral appliance therapy and the positive impact it has on our patients’ lives.
Discussing Treatment Options
In addition, dentists act as trusted advisors, assisting patients in understanding the range of treatment options at their disposal.
Whether it’s CPAP machines, mandibular advancement devices, or lifestyle changes, a dentist can help patients chart the best course of treatment based on their individual needs and lifestyle.
We are dedicated to helping you understand the complexities of Sleep apnea.
Education serves as a compass for patients, helping them navigate through the extensive information on sleep apnea. Dentists, therefore, play a vital role in educating patients about sleep apnea, its symptoms, the risks associated with sleep apnea, and various treatment options.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing a blockage of the airway.
Symptoms include loud snoring, observed episodes of breathing cessation, abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking, morning headache, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating.
It includes risk factors like obesity, certain physical attributes (like a narrow airway or enlarged tonsils), age, gender (more common in men), family history, use of alcohol or sedatives, smoking, and nasal congestion.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Less common than OSA, CSA occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Symptoms may include periods of no breathing or abnormal breathing patterns, frequent awakenings, shortness of breath that is relieved by sitting up, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness. Snoring may not be as common as in OSA.
Risk Factors include heart disorders, stroke, using certain medications like opioids, high altitude, and age.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSA)
Also known as Treatment-Emergent Central Sleep Apnea, it is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apneas. It is often discovered in people who have OSA and develop CSA when they start using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine.
Symptoms are a mix of symptoms from both OSA and CSA.
Risk factors are similar to those for OSA and CSA, and often emerge during the treatment of OSA.
Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms
The signs of sleep apnea syndrome include:
- Grinding teeth
- A small jaw
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for breath
- Unexplained daytime fatigue
These symptoms are often subtle, yet they hold the potential to disrupt the tranquility of obstructive sleep and may indicate sleep disorders, including a serious sleep disorder.
Grinding and Small Jaw
Just as a mill grinds relentlessly throughout the night, so do the teeth of those with sleep apnea. Known medically as bruxism, it is frequently linked to sleep apnea. It’s as if the muscles in the mouth are trying to reopen the narrowed airway during sleep, resulting in grinding.
Likewise, a small jaw, similar to a narrow bridge, can add to the risk of developing sleep apnea, by reducing the diameter of the upper airway, leading to potential obstructions.
Snoring and Gasping
Snoring, often dismissed as a mere annoyance, can also serve as an indication of a more serious underlying issue. In sleep apnea patients, snoring is the sound of a strained battle for breath, as the airways become narrow or blocked. Another clear signal of sleep apnea is gasping for breath, which can be as distressing as a fish out of water.
These episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, also known as sleep-disordered breathing, are a clear signal that all is not calm in the lake of sleep, potentially indicating sleep-related breathing disorders.
Daytime Fatigue
Sleep apnea can also manifest itself through pervasive daytime fatigue, camouflaged among other health issues like anemia, diabetes, and thyroid problems. Sleep apnea disrupts the natural flow of sleep, causing:
- Frequent awakenings
- Severe fatigue
- Daytime drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
Similar to how a car requires fuel for efficient operation, the human body also needs quality sleep for optimal performance and avoiding sleep deprivation.
Is a CPAP Machine your Only Option?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are costly, clunky, uncomfortable, and require careful maintenance. Our cosmetic dentists provide comfortable and affordable alternatives for chronic sleep apnea with our personalized dental solutions.
If you are suffering from chronic sleep apnea, explore alternatives to conventional CPAP machines with the cosmetic dentists at Bedford Dental Group in Beverly Hills. Our gentle-touch dentistry maximizes comfort without sacrificing our first-class dental care solutions. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team!
Many cases of sleep apnea remain undiagnosed because the disorder may not be easily detected during regular visits with your doctor. You may realize it yourself because it often only occurs while you sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form, but it can manifest in many different conditions.
Cosmetic
Understanding CPAP Machines
Whether you’ve been using a CPAP machine or have recently been diagnosed with chronic sleep apnea, our dentistry practice may help you explore all your options. Our full-service dentists may help you get informed about sleep apnea dental device procedures, CPAP alternatives, and other treatments.
Understanding CPAP Machines
CPAP machines, akin to a strong wind powering a ship’s sails, offer continuous airflow to maintain open airways during sleep. These machines consist of a motor, a hose, and a mask, which work together to deliver the pressurized air required to keep the airways open, thus preventing sleep apnea.
Comparing Oral Devices and CPAP
Deciding upon oral devices or CPAP machines for sleep apnea treatment is comparable to opting for either ship or plane travel. Both have their advantages and potential drawbacks.
While CPAP machines are generally more effective in reducing apnea events, many patients find oral appliances more comfortable and convenient to use.
Alternatives to Oral Appliance Therapy Devices
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines represent a standard treatment for sleep apnea.
However, there are alternatives for patients unable to tolerate CPAP machines:
- Positional therapy
- Surgery
- Dental (oral) appliances
At Bedford Dental Group, we help our patients find health solutions through our outstanding dental services. One of the most common dentistry alternatives to treating sleep apnea is creating an oral appliance, which is not only more comfortable than a CPAP machine, but is also easier to carry for traveling purposes.
Our oral appliance therapy options for sleep apnea are as varied as the condition itself. We offer a range of solutions, including CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machines, custom-fitted oral appliances, and surgical interventions when necessary.
Each oral appliance therapy option has its advantages, and we take the time to discuss these with our patients, ensuring they are well informed about their choices. Our personalized treatment planning is based on individual patient needs and preferences, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective treatment.
These dental devices are designed to open the airway during sleep, offering an effective treatment alternative to more invasive methods.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
A prime example is the mandibular advancement device, functioning akin to a ship’s anchor, stabilizing and repositioning the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open.
This simple yet effective mechanism can significantly alleviate central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome symptoms for sleep apnea sufferers, offering patients a more peaceful night’s sleep.
EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) Appliance
An EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) appliance operates similarly to a mouth guard, being interconnected by a flexible band.
The appliance stimulates a yawn-like response, which helps to open the airway and improve airflow during sleep, offering patients a comfortable and effective treatment option.
Tongue-Retaining Devices
Similar to a safety harness, tongue-retaining devices secure the tongue, preventing it from obstructing the airway during sleep. Like a secure anchor preventing a ship from drifting, these devices ensure the tongue doesn’t block the airway, providing an effective solution for sleep apnea.
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Collaborative Efforts with Medical Professionals
At Bedford Dental we believe that Healthcare professionals from various disciplines should work together, to provide a comprehensive care plan for sleep apnea patients.
This collaborative approach ensures successful treatment outcomes and enhances overall patient care. The roles of different professionals in the care team include:
- Pulmonologists: They diagnose the condition and provide medical treatment.
- Sleep specialists: They confirm diagnoses and oversee the management of sleep apnea.
- Mental health professionals: They provide support with coping strategies and address any psychological aspects of the condition.
By working together, these professionals ensure that sleep apnea patients receive holistic care that addresses all aspects of their condition.
Connection to Cardiology
The heart, the powerful engine that drives the human body, is not immune to the effects of sleep apnea. There is a significant correlation between sleep apnea and heart disease, making collaboration between dentists and cardiologists crucial.
Treating obstructive sleep apnea effectively can decrease the likelihood of serious cardiovascular events linked to the condition.
Insurance Coverage and Billing for Sleep Apnea Treatments
Understanding insurance coverage for sleep apnea treatments can occasionally seem as complicated as interpreting a complex nautical chart. With various treatment options and different insurance policies, understanding the specifics of coverage and billing is crucial.
Insurance Policies
Insurance policies serve as guides to the coverage of various treatments, similar to maps charting a course. Coverage for sleep apnea treatments typically includes oral appliances and CPAP machines.
However, the specifics can differ based on the particular plan, making it essential to understand one’s policy.
Summary
Navigating the waters of sleep apnea can be a challenging journey. However, with the guidance of dental professionals and the right treatment options, patients can restore the calm waters of their sleep.
By recognizing the signs, seeking professional help, and sticking to the treatment course, the turbulent waters of sleep apnea can be tamed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dentist help with obstructive sleep apnea?
Yes, a dentist can help with sleep apnea by making an oral appliance to help manage the disorder. The dentist will assess your dental health and then take impressions of your mouth for a customized sleep apnea dental appliance.
How much does a dental sleep apnea device cost?
The cost of a dental sleep apnea device can range from $500 to $2500, making it an affordable option compared to other CPAP machines and surgical treatments.
Do dental appliances help sleep apnea?
Research has found that wearing a dental appliance can improve sleep apnea in two-thirds of patients, though it may not completely control the disorder. Oral appliances are often used as an alternative to CPAP machines for those who cannot tolerate them.
What are some common symptoms of sleep apnea?
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, gasping or choking during sleep, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Does insurance cover sleep apnea treatments?
Insurance typically covers sleep apnea treatments, such as CPAP machines and oral appliances. However, coverage may vary based on the plan.
Bedford Dental Group provides natural-looking, fully functional restorations to patients of every stripe. Each patient is treated like a celebrity, given expert time and detailed attention to ensure their new and improved smile will look fantastic for years to come. Our patients enjoy a lifetime with their improved, healthier smiles at a reasonable price.
“Because of your smile,
you make life more beautiful”