Obstructive Sleep Apnea: How Sleep Apnea Dentists in Hillsboro, Oregon Can Help
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a prevalent condition characterized by episodes where airflow to the lungs is blocked during sleep for more than ten seconds. This airflow disruption leads to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, a condition known as hypoxia. To restore oxygen levels, the brain prompts a brief awakening, causing the individual to resume breathing—usually loudly—before falling back asleep. Often, these micro-awakenings aren’t remembered the next day. The muscles in the pharynx, located behind the mouth and nasal cavity, overly relax during sleep and obstruct the airway, causing these episodes.
When these episodes occur more than 10-15 times an hour, it indicates Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. This syndrome fragments sleep into smaller, interrupted cycles, preventing the body from rejuvenating fully and leaving individuals feeling tired and irritable. The American National Sleep Foundation states that Obstructive Sleep Apnea costs the U.S. over $100 billion annually, yet awareness around it remains low.
Sleep Apnea Dentists and Treatment Options
The primary treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is CPAP therapy, which requires wearing a CPAP mask during sleep. However, about 50% of patients find CPAP masks uncomfortable over time. For those with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea dentists in Hillsboro, Oregon offer effective alternatives through dental devices. These devices can be used alone or alongside CPAP therapy for enhanced results. They are compact, easy to use, and designed to maintain open airways, preventing episodes of apnea.
Types of Dental Devices
Sleep Apnea dentists provide three main types of dental devices, each fitted by a qualified dentist or orthodontist:
1) Tongue Retaining Devices (TRD):
These devices hold the tongue in place to keep airways unobstructed.
2) Oral Pressure Appliances (OPA):
These lift the soft palate and position the tongue to maintain open airways.
3) Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD):
The most common, these devices position the lower jaw forward to ensure normal airflow and prevent apnea episodes. Modern versions are custom-made for each patient, ensuring comfort and effectiveness. Adjustments may be made after two weeks of use based on sleep study results.
Customization and Suitability
Each dental device is uniquely tailored, taking into account individual mouth structures. Techniques such as cephalometry, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are used to design the perfect fit. Dental devices are typically recommended for:
– Mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (fewer than 20 episodes per hour)
– Patients unwilling to use CPAP masks or who have experienced unsatisfactory results
– Those reluctant to undergo or who have had unsuccessful surgeries
– Patients within a healthy weight range
– Individuals committed to nightly use of the device
Considerations Before Visiting Sleep Apnea Dentists
Dental devices are unsuitable for Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome, which is linked to heart and lung issues rather than airway obstruction. In severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea cases, CPAP therapy is necessary. Age is also a factor; dental devices aren’t recommended for those under 18.
While diseases of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are common in patients with sleep apnea, using dental devices generally doesn’t exacerbate these conditions. Initial discomfort, such as mild TMJ pain, often subsides over time. For patients suffering from bruxism, dental devices can minimize tooth abrasion and reduce excessive chewing muscle activity during sleep.
Research indicates a high acceptance rate of these devices, with 56-68% of patients continuing their use for over 30 months. The effectiveness relies largely on the device’s design and production quality. Common side effects like increased salivation and initial discomfort usually diminish as the treatment progresses.
Conclusion
For those in Hillsboro, Oregon, seeking relief from mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea dentists offer a practical and comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy through customized dental devices. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, consider consulting with a Sleep Apnea dentist to explore your options.
Call East Wind Hillsboro Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to discover why we are the preferred dentist in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Visit us at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124, or check out our services online at East Wind Dental Care. Reach out to improve your sleep and overall health today.
East Wind Dental Care
Dental Implant placement in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Beaverton Oregon
family dentistry in Hillsboro
https://eastwinddentalcare.com
amily and Cosmetics Dentistry in Hillsboro, Oregon.
East Wind Dental Care Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon. We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful. East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health. When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
