Your Provo Utah Dentist Can Help With Snoring and Sleep Apnea

man sleeping peacefully with a CPAP machine in Provo

Are you or a loved one struggling with snoring or sleep apnea?

These conditions can significantly disrupt your sleep and overall health. While many people associate these issues with sleep specialists, your local dentist can also play a vital role in diagnosis and treatment.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, Utah, our dentists have specialized training in oral medicine and sleep disorders. We can assess your symptoms, conduct a thorough examination, and recommend appropriate treatment options.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Diagnosis: Your dentist can use a variety of tools, including a sleep study, to diagnose sleep apnea.

Oral Appliances: In many cases, a custom-made oral appliance can help keep your airway open during sleep, reducing snoring and improving breathing.

Treatment Coordination: Your dentist can work closely with a sleep specialist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

Our team is dedicated to helping you get the restful sleep you deserve.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

dental sleep medicine Provo

What is dental sleep medicine?  It’s a relatively new branch of dentistry that treats sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing problems.

Don’t confuse dental sleep medicine with dental sedation or sleep dentistry. Dental sleep medicine treats sleep apnea. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we can determine if it’s right for you.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where you have frequent, intermittent pauses in breathing while sleeping. These pauses can last for up to 60 seconds. They are caused by soft tissue in the back of the throat that relaxes and closes the airway. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen it interferes with important physical processes.

There are three different types of sleep apnea. They are categorized by the cause of the cessation of breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to control your breathing. The final type is called complex sleep apnea syndrome. This form is present when a patient has both of the other two types.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a medical doctor. If you have several of the following symptoms, we encourage you to see a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders.

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
  • Insomnia
  • Sleep Deprivation
  • Excessive Snoring
  • Episodes of Not Breathing
  • Mouth Breathing
  • Dry Mouth/Throat
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent Headaches
  • Irritability

How does a sleep apnea dentist treat sleep apnea?

Dentists use oral appliance therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Patients wear a custom-fitted removable oral appliance at night. The appliance fits somewhat like a sports mouthguard.

How does an oral appliance work?

An oral appliance restricts your airway from collapsing. It either holds the tongue or jaw in a forward position.

Does an oral appliance work as well as a CPAP machine?

It depends on the severity of the condition and other considerations specific to the patient. Many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea benefit from OAT.

What are the advantages of OAT over CPAP?

Some men and women find the device more comfortable. It’s smaller and easier to clean than a CPAP system. Patients who suffer from claustrophobia often choose OAT. Patients who move around a lot when they sleep can get twisted up in the CPAP tube. And a small, portable device is easier to travel with.

If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and are interested in OAT, give us a call at the number below.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


Should I Worry About My Snoring?

sleep apnea dental appliance Provo

Snoring isn’t just an annoyance. It can have major health consequences.

What is Snoring?

Snoring is caused by a blockage in the airway. The obstruction can be caused by:

  • Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue—when muscles relax they can collapse onto the airway. Alcohol use and sleeping pills can make this more likely.
  • Thick throat tissue—Excess weight can be a contributing factor.
  • Swollen tonsils and adenoids—Most common in children.
  • Long uvula or soft palate
  • Nasal congestion
  • Deviated septum

Individuals who snore may have a condition called sleep apnea—a potentially serious condition in which your breathing lapses while you are snoozing. This can occur hundreds of times at night.

If your snoring keeps your bed partner from sleeping, his or her health is also influenced. Failure to get enough quality sleep contributes to a multitude of physical and mental conditions.

Most of us have experienced problems concentrating when we haven’t gotten enough sleep. Did you know that can limit a person’s motor function and reaction time as seriously as intoxication?

Other possible health problems related to insufficient sleep include heart disease, obesity, depression, and diabetes.

So why is an article about snoring and sleep deprivation in a dental blog? Your dentist can treat either of these potentially dangerous conditions.

If you suspect that you suffer from either snoring or sleep apnea, we invite you to request an appointment today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604