Can a dentist cure snoring? The question may seem apparent to many but some may not realize how important a dentist is in treating this condition. The first step is to understand the nature of snoring. Once you have established a cause, the dentist’s role in treating snoring problems becomes readily apparent.
Dental Sleep Medicine
Many may associate dental sleep medicine to dental sedation. Sedation dentists specialize in helping patients thorough sedation. They do this by deeply relaxing them during their visits. Approaches include medication and “twilight” sedation.
However, dentists may also be affiliated with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. These dentists specialize in treating sleep disorders that are associated with structural problems.
What Causes Snoring
Dentists affilitated with the AADSM are often board certified in treating sleep disorders that are associated with structural problems. Some mouth problems can lead to difficulty breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring are among the most common problems associated with structural abnormalities.
In snoring, extra tissue in the back of the throat vibrates as each breath is taken. This vibration causes sounds to occur with each breath. Sometimes the snores can be very loud and disruptive. In cases of sleep apnea, breathing is completely disrupted while the person is sleeping.
How Dentists Help Stop Snoring
Dentists can help stop snoring problems by fitting patients with oral devices that prevent the soft tissue in the throat from becoming slack and from sliding back into the throat. In some cases, the patient merely needs to have the jaw set forward to prevent the disruptive sounds from occurring.
Stop snoring dental devices are specially fit to the patient. The dentist examines the oral cavity for possible problems. After a consultation and examination, the patient is fitted for an oral device that is worn during sleep. Some products are available over the counter, but the effectiveness is not likely to be as good.
Dental Implants
Some people may benefit from dental implants. This new products are fitted by dentists as well. Dental implants help by correcting the position of the mouth. In many cases, simple changes can prevent snoring from occurring. However, palatal implants are more invasive but far more effective.
A dentist can fit a permanent implant in the soft palate. This provides strength to the tissues in this area, preventing the tissue from vibrating during sleep. This surgical procedure can be completed in a single visit.
Sleep Studies
Some patients may require a sleep study to determine whether snoring is associated with central sleep apnea. In rare cases, neurological, heart or other health problems can make the person stop breathing during sleep. Some may mistake central sleep apnea from obstructive apnea or snoring.
A dentist may recommend a sleep study or a visit to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if there are no apparent reasons for snoring in the oral cavity or in the throat.
Snoring may seem little more than a nightly nuisance. However, it can be a sign of a serious underlying health problem. Proper diagnosis and assessment is the most important first step in getting the right treatment.
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