Sleep Dentistry

What is Sleep Denistry?

Sleep Dentistry is usually recommended as a result of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) to treat the source of some dental health issues.

OSA is a common sleep disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to breathing pauses or shallow breathing. These pauses in breathing can occur multiple times per hour and may last for seconds to minutes, disrupting normal sleep patterns and reducing the flow of oxygen to vital organs.

OSA often leads to mouth breathing during sleep, especially when airflow is blocked in the nasal passages. This results in reduced saliva production, causing dry mouth, which can contribute to:

Increased risk of cavities and tooth decay
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Bad breath (halitosis)
Dry Mouth
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Gum Disease
Change in Jaw Position
Enlarged tongue or Soft Tissues
Worn or Receding Gums
And more

If left untreated, these issues can significantly impact oral health, contributing to more severe dental complications. Proper management of sleep apnea is essential to prevent these oral effects.

Key Points About Sleep Dentistry

Procedure

Sleep Apnea FAQs

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

Common signs of sleep apnea include:

Loud, chronic snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Excessive sleepiness during the day

Does sleep apnea affect my dental health? What signs of sleep apnea can a dentist identify?

Yes, sleep apnea affects a person’s dental health. Some dental symptoms include:

Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
Dry mouth
Gum disease

Additional indicators a dentist can identify include:

Enlarged tongue or tonsils
Narrow throat
High-arched palate
Dry throat
Jaw alignment issues
Tooth decay

How can a dentist help with sleep apnea?

Dentists are often the first to observe sleep apnea dental symptoms, like dry mouth or teeth grinding. These symptoms lead to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Now, dentists trained in sleep medicine can provide oral appliance therapy (OAT).

Do I need a sleep study?

Yes, a formal sleep study is necessary to diagnose sleep apnea before beginning any treatment.

What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

A sleep apnea oral appliance is a custom-fitted device that repositions a person’s jaw or tongue while sleeping to keep the airway open.

Am I a good candidate for a sleep apnea oral appliance?

You may be a good candidate for an oral appliance for sleep apnea if you:

Suspect you might have sleep apnea
Have mild to moderate sleep apnea
Are CPAP-intolerant
Snore heavily
Prefer a travel-friendly alternative to a CPAP machine

How does an oral device compare to a CPAP for sleep apnea treatment?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines have been and are the gold standard for moderate to severe sleep apnea, however many patients prefer an oral appliance because it is:

Silent (no machine noise)
Less bulky
Portable
Easier to tolerate long-term
More comfortable than CPAP masks

Are sleep apnea oral appliances covered by insurance?

While many medical insurance plans may cover oral appliances for sleep apnea, dental insurance typically does not. Work with your physician and dentist to figure out the right solution for you.