Sleep dentist:
A sleep dentist doesn’t make patients sleep during a dental procedure. Instead, s/he uses dental sleep medicine to help people with sleep problems. The treatment typically involves the design and use of an oral appliance specially tailored and custom-made to suit the needs of each patient.
Common problems
Some patients have a hard time getting a good night’s sleep. That’s because they might suffer from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Snoring is actually a symptom of OSA, says the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. To be sure, patients will need to consult a sleep medicine physician. This is to help determine if the patient suffers from snoring with or without the sleep apnea, since these will require different treatments and medications.
Dental treatment
Dentists will design an oral appliance to stop the apnea or snoring. It’s similar to how a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer works. With it, patients have the proper jaw support so they won’t have to worry about their airway collapsing during their sleep. Some dentists also offer a prescription. In extreme cases, surgery is also an option.
Qualified professional
Not just any dentist would do in this case, though. You’ll need to find someone with the right training, knowledge and skill. Someone who has experience in providing dental sleep medicine and treatment. Your dentist should be certified and work in an accredited clinic. That way, you know you’ll be safe during the procedure.
Getting help
So don’t put it off. Find a qualified sleep dentist and get the help you need. If you keep waking up at night or having a hard time getting a solid 7 to 9 hour rest, get in touch with one as soon as possible. Call us up at Cascades Center for Dental Health for more details. With the right dentist by your side, you can easily improve the quality of your dental health. You can also follow them on Google+ for more updates.
