Have you ever woken yourself up from snoring? Wake up in the mornings with dry mouth? Awoken from a dead sleep gasping for air? If so, you may have sleep apnea, a condition in which you repeatedly stop breathing during sleep. If you think you have sleep apnea in Miramar, what type of doctor should you see? Can your dental provider help?
Can a Dentist or Orthodontist Treat Sleep Apnea?
Here’s the truth – yes and no. Your dental health professional can treat a specific type of sleep apnea called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but only in certain cases. This only applies when your condition would benefit from repositioning of teeth and / or other oral structures that are obstructing your ability to properly breathe during sleep.
It’s important to note that you can’t be diagnosed with sleep apnea by a dental care professional, though they can recognize symptoms of sleep apnea and will refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) specialist who can diagnose your condition after a sleep study if necessary. They will then recommend which treatment route to take, which may involve several steps.
If you have sleep apnea in Miramar and need oral surgery and / or special dental devices as all or part of your treatment plan, your ENT can work together with your dentist / orthodontist to eliminate your symptoms.
Can Children Have OSA?
Yes, this condition does not discriminate based on age. Adults and kids alike can be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. If you notice your child restless during sleep, waking up choking or gasping for air, sleeping in unusual positions, and / or taking daytime naps from not sleeping well, they may be suffering from OSA. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis for this condition, as it can lead to hyperactivity and other issues.
Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Miramar With Dr. Shaun L. Smith and Team Here at SLS Orthodontics!
If your ENT recommends dental care for treatment of OSA, choose SLS! We’re here to help you enjoy a healthy life through better oral health. Call us today at 954-368-0105 to book an appointment to see how we can not only beautify your smile but help you sleep better too!