Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing throughout the night. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health complications. While CPAP machines are a common treatment, many patients seek alternative, non-invasive solutions. This is where an airway-certified dentist can help.
How an Airway Dentist Can Help Treat Sleep Apnea
At Santa Teresa Smiles, Dr. Noha Oushy specializes in identifying and addressing airway obstructions that contribute to sleep-disordered breathing, including sleep apnea. Unlike traditional dentistry, which focuses mainly on teeth and gums, an airway dentist evaluates how the structure of the mouth, jaw, and airway affects breathing.
Non-Surgical Dental Solutions for Sleep Apnea
An airway dentist can provide customized treatments such as:
- Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) A custom-fitted dental device that repositions the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep.
- Myofunctional Therapy Exercises that strengthen tongue and facial muscles to promote better airway function.
- Orthodontic and Expansion Treatments Palatal expanders or braces that help widen the airway and improve airflow.
These solutions can be effective alternatives to CPAP machines for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
What to Expect During an Airway Assessment
An airway assessment is a critical step in diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing. Here’s what to expect during your visit to an airway-certified dentist:
- Comprehensive Medical and Sleep History We will discuss your sleep patterns, symptoms (such as snoring, gasping for air, and daytime fatigue), and any previous diagnoses.
- 3D Imaging & Digital Scans Advanced technology such as CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) scans or digital impressions will be used to assess airway size and obstructions.
- Intraoral & Extraoral Examination We will evaluate jaw alignment, tongue posture, and nasal breathing to identify possible airway restrictions.
- Sleep Study We will have you do a sleep study if you don’t have a current study on file.
- Customized Treatment Plan Based on the findings, we will recommend a tailored approach to improve your airway health and sleep quality.
The Benefits of Seeing an Airway-Certified Dentist for Sleep Issues
- Non-Invasive, Comfortable Treatment Options
- Long-Term Health Benefits Beyond Sleep (Improved breathing, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and better cognitive function)
- Holistic Approach to Wellness (Addressing the root cause rather than just managing symptoms)
If you suffer from snoring, fatigue, or sleep apnea symptoms; Dr. Oushy, airway-certified dentist can help restore restful sleep and improve your overall health. Book a consultation today to explore non-invasive solutions tailored to your needs.
Interested in exploring non-invasive sleep apnea treatments? Contact us today!
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