As sleep apnea awareness increases, more and more people are seeking treatment to help them get higher-quality rest. If you are among them, you might wonder where you should go for treatment and what kind of practitioner you should visit. You may be surprised to learn this, but in many cases, dentists are the most qualified professionals for sleep apnea treatment! Why? This blog post explains.
Your Mouth Is Part of Your Airway
Dentists are experts in all things related to the mouth, including your teeth, gums, and yes, your upper airway! In fact, your mouth is part of your upper airway. Your dentist may be able to identify abnormalities that put you at risk of disordered breathing during sleep. They may also be able to help you arrange to undergo official testing for sleep apnea and other disorders.
Dentists Offer CPAP Alternatives
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a CPAP machine. Sadly, many patients dislike their machine. They may find it to be noisy, uncomfortable, and inconvenient to travel with. Some people even stop using theirs altogether!
Fortunately, dentists often provide alternative therapies that can complement or even replace CPAP treatment. For example, you might be a candidate for laser treatment known as NightLase, which uses gentle light therapy to tighten up loose tissues in the throat. This helps to create space in the airway, which reduces the risk of obstructions and promotes high-quality sleep.
After just a few sessions of laser therapy, many patients experience long-lasting results. Depending on the specifics of your unique case, this treatment may eliminate the need for you to worry about using any sort of special device at night.
You See Your Dentist Regularly
Ideally, you should visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. During these routine visits, you can let your dentist know how you are sleeping. If you think your symptoms are worsening or you have other questions, you might need to undergo additional laser therapy sessions. In some cases, it may be necessary to incorporate other treatments into your plan for achieving high-quality rest.
Your dentist could help you sleep better! Talk to them to find out more about the sleep apnea treatments they offer.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Candida Castillo is an experienced certified Biological / Holistic dentist who is proud to offer NightLase laser therapy with the remarkable Fotona laser. If you are interested in Snore treatment or CPAP alternatives, she and our team would be pleased to answer your questions. Contact Bio Dental in North Providence at 401-232-7777.