Sleep apnea
Many people don't experience a restful night's sleep, often waking up frequently due to a compromised airway in the back of the throat. This leads to an insufficient amount of air reaching the lungs and, consequently, less oxygen for the brain. When this condition is severe, it's known as sleep apnea.
Patients suffering from sleep apnea often feel tired, irritable, and struggle to concentrate effectively. Beyond impacting overall performance and quality of life, a sleep disorder can also increase a patient's risk for various medical conditions. In addition to medical and dental treatments, losing weight can help alleviate symptoms, as fat accumulation around the face and neck often contributes to blocked airways.
Diagnosis and Medical Treatment
If a medical specialist, typically a Pulmonologist, diagnoses a sleep disorder after a sleep study, the physician might prescribe a medical device called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which pumps air into the lungs. The physician may also recommend consulting a dentist who has received specialized training in treating this condition.
Dental Appliances for Sleep Disorders
For patients with both TMD and a sleep disorder, treatment by a neuromuscularly trained dentist can offer an optimal solution. This often involves combining the daytime use of a TMD appliance with a sleep appliance worn at night, effectively addressing both conditions simultaneously.
It's important to note that dental sleep appliances are not the same as standard night guards, which are typically given to patients who clench or grind their teeth during sleep. Sleep appliances are specifically designed to gently move the jaw forward during sleep, which in turn advances the tongue and widens the airway for improved breathing.