How Can Dentists Help With Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Trained Dentists are very effective at detecting sleep apnea, and helping you on the path to healthy sleep. Drs. Nugent and West work with your medical doctor to find the best solution for you. Our will also work with your medical insurance to get the best medical coverage for your snoring or sleep apnea mouthpiece.
The first step starts with the screening process. Drs. Nugent and West have been trained to spot some of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. Many of these signs and symptoms can be seen in the mouth and inferred by asking the right questions. It is all about the attention to detail and the big picture.
After the screening, Drs. Nugent and West will set you up with a Home Sleep Test (HST). The HST is an easy way (you sleep at your house and not at a sleep center) to take biologic measurements while you sleep. After two nights of wearing the HST you simply put everything back into the pre-paid envelope and mail the HST out. The HST is received and the data downloaded. A Board-Certified Sleep Physician will read the study and give a diagnosis and recommendations Watch Pat Sleep Apnea Device
For a diagnosis of mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea a mandibular advancement device (MAD) can be made. Also, dental apnea devices can also be made for those who cannot wear CPAP machines or refuse to use a CPAP.
If a dental sleep apnea appliance is deemed necessary, the patient will return to Drs. Nugent and West who will do a thorough medical and dental exam. Next, impressions for the appliance are taken. After the appliance is made in the dental lab, it will be fitted to the patient, and instructions will be given. Dental Apnea Devices move the jaw downward and forward. This opens up the airway and prevents the tissue from occluding the airway.
Our Sleep Trained Doctors will move the appliance forward over time to find the optimum therapeutic effect. After optimum movement, the patient takes another HST so prof of the therapy working is recorded. We hope that the appliance is helping you breath better, stop snoring, decrease or eliminate obstructive sleep apnea and get a good night’s rest.
