Sleep Apnea Treatments

At Conscious Dentistry, we recognize the significant impact that sleep apnea can have on your overall health. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality, disrupted breathing, and potential long-term health risks. Dr. Anthony is passionate about helping patients of all ages manage and treat sleep apnea using a multidisciplinary approach. Our goal is not only to diagnose the condition but also to offer effective, non-invasive treatment options that can improve your sleep and overall well-being.

Comprehensive Airway Assessment for All Ages

Sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed and can affect individuals of all ages, from children to adults. At Conscious Dentistry, we provide thorough airway assessments as part of our commitment to overall health. During a comprehensive evaluation, we examine the airway for signs of obstruction, restricted airflow, or other potential issues that may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing.

For children, we assess the development of the jaw and airway to detect early signs of potential airway problems, such as mouth breathing or snoring. Early intervention can prevent more severe conditions like sleep apnea from developing later in life.

For adults, we look for signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which may include loud snoring, choking, or gasping for air during sleep. We evaluate the position of the jaw, teeth, and overall facial structure to determine if airway obstructions may be contributing to the condition.

Multidisciplinary Care: A Holistic Approach to Treating Sleep Apnea

Because sleep apnea is a complex condition that can have multiple contributing factors, we work closely with a team of health practitioners to provide comprehensive care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the condition are addressed and that our patients receive the most effective treatment possible. Our team includes:

• Sleep Physicians: We collaborate with sleep specialists who provide diagnostic tests like sleep studies to determine the severity of sleep apnea and recommend appropriate treatment options.

• ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Specialists: ENT doctors help identify any anatomical issues such as nasal obstructions, enlarged tonsils, or deviated septum, which may be contributing to airway restrictions.

• Respiratory Therapists: These experts assist in evaluating the functionality of your respiratory system, including the effectiveness of any sleep apnea devices or treatments that may be recommended.

• Myofunctional Therapists: These specialists help with exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and airway, improving breathing patterns and supporting treatment outcomes.

• Chiropractors: We collaborate with chiropractors to assess any spinal or cranial issues that may contribute to sleep apnea or related conditions, improving alignment for better airway function.

By working together, we provide a personalized and coordinated treatment plan that targets all contributing factors of sleep apnea, improving both your breathing and overall health.

Screening and Referrals

If sleep apnea is suspected, we conduct a thorough screening process to assess your symptoms, medical history, and airway health. Based on our findings, we may refer patients for additional diagnostic testing, such as polysomnography (sleep study) or other assessments with a sleep physician. We also make appropriate referrals to ENT specialists or respiratory therapists when necessary.

Early screening is crucial, as sleep apnea can lead to more serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and impaired cognitive function if left untreated. At Conscious Dentistry, we are dedicated to making the appropriate referrals to help you get the care you need.

Effective Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Once a diagnosis of sleep apnea is confirmed, we offer a variety of non-invasive treatments to help manage the condition and improve sleep quality. Two proven options we offer are:

• Palatal Expansion Appliances: For patients with narrow upper jaws or those who have developed restrictive airway patterns, palatal expansion devices can widen the upper jaw to create more space for the airway. This is particularly effective in children and adolescents whose bones are still growing but can also benefit adults. Studies have shown that palatal expansion is an effective treatment for improving airway health and reducing sleep apnea symptoms.

• Mandibular Advancement Appliances: For those with obstructive sleep apnea, mandibular advancement devices (MADs) work by repositioning the lower jaw forward during sleep. This forward positioning helps open the airway, preventing it from collapsing and improving airflow. This treatment has been shown in numerous studies to be highly effective in reducing or even eliminating the symptoms of sleep apnea in mild to moderate cases.

Both of these treatments are FDA-approved, non-invasive, and have shown remarkable success in improving sleep quality, reducing snoring, and eliminating apneas. They are especially helpful for patients who prefer non-surgical options or who are not candidates for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Why Choose Conscious Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Treatment ?

1. Comprehensive Airway Health Assessment: We assess airway health for patients of all ages, helping to detect early signs of sleep apnea or other airway disorders.

2. Collaborative Care: We work with a team of medical professionals, including sleep physicians, ENT specialists, respiratory therapists, myofunctional therapists, and chiropractors, to provide the most comprehensive care for sleep apnea.

3. Non-invasive Treatment Options: We offer proven, effective treatments such as palatal expansion and mandibular advancement appliances to address the root cause of sleep apnea and improve overall health.

4. Personalized Treatment Plans: Our approach is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the best possible care for your unique condition.

5. Focus on Long-Term Health: By addressing sleep apnea early and using biologic treatments, we aim to improve not just your sleep but your overall health, including cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and quality of life.