Obstructive Sleep Apnea: How Sleep Apnea Dentists in Hillsboro, Oregon Can Help
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a prevalent condition characterized by episodes where airflow to the lungs is blocked during sleep for more than ten seconds. This airflow disruption leads to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, a condition known as hypoxia. To restore oxygen levels, the brain prompts a brief awakening, causing the individual to resume breathing—usually loudly—before falling back asleep. Often, these micro-awakenings aren’t remembered the next day. The muscles in the pharynx, located behind the mouth and nasal cavity, overly relax during sleep and obstruct the airway, causing these episodes.
When these episodes occur more than 10-15 times an hour, it indicates Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. This syndrome fragments sleep into smaller, interrupted cycles, preventing the body from rejuvenating fully and leaving individuals feeling tired and irritable. The American National Sleep Foundation states that Obstructive Sleep Apnea costs the U.S. over $100 billion annually, yet awareness around it remains low.
Sleep Apnea Dentists and Treatment Options
The primary treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is CPAP therapy, which requires wearing a CPAP mask during sleep. However, about 50% of patients find CPAP masks uncomfortable over time. For those with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea dentists in Hillsboro, Oregon offer effective alternatives through dental devices. These devices can be used alone or alongside CPAP therapy for enhanced results. They are compact, easy to use, and designed to maintain open airways, preventing episodes of apnea.
Types of Dental Devices
Sleep Apnea dentists provide three main types of dental devices, each fitted by a qualified dentist or orthodontist:
1) Tongue Retaining Devices (TRD):
These devices hold the tongue in place to keep airways unobstructed.
2) Oral Pressure Appliances (OPA):
These lift the soft palate and position the tongue to maintain open airways.
3) Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD):
The most common, these devices position the lower jaw forward to ensure normal airflow and prevent apnea episodes. Modern versions are custom-made for each patient, ensuring comfort and effectiveness. Adjustments may be made after two weeks of use based on sleep study results.
Customization and Suitability
Each dental device is uniquely tailored, taking into account individual mouth structures. Techniques such as cephalometry, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are used to design the perfect fit. Dental devices are typically recommended for:
– Mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (fewer than 20 episodes per hour)
– Patients unwilling to use CPAP masks or who have experienced unsatisfactory results
– Those reluctant to undergo or who have had unsuccessful surgeries
– Patients within a healthy weight range
– Individuals committed to nightly use of the device
Considerations Before Visiting Sleep Apnea Dentists
Dental devices are unsuitable for Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome, which is linked to heart and lung issues rather than airway obstruction. In severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea cases, CPAP therapy is necessary. Age is also a factor; dental devices aren’t recommended for those under 18.
While diseases of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are common in patients with sleep apnea, using dental devices generally doesn’t exacerbate these conditions. Initial discomfort, such as mild TMJ pain, often subsides over time. For patients suffering from bruxism, dental devices can minimize tooth abrasion and reduce excessive chewing muscle activity during sleep.
Research indicates a high acceptance rate of these devices, with 56-68% of patients continuing their use for over 30 months. The effectiveness relies largely on the device’s design and production quality. Common side effects like increased salivation and initial discomfort usually diminish as the treatment progresses.
Conclusion
For those in Hillsboro, Oregon, seeking relief from mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea dentists offer a practical and comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy through customized dental devices. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, consider consulting with a Sleep Apnea dentist to explore your options.
Call East Wind Hillsboro Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to discover why we are the preferred dentist in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Visit us at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124, or check out our services online at East Wind Dental Care. Reach out to improve your sleep and overall health today.