Oral Appliance Therapy for Treating Sleep Apnea in Lawton
CPAP has been the long standing go-to treatment for sleep apnea sufferers, and many of the patients we treat are surprised to hear they have other options. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has made recommendations for patients suffering from mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to consider oral appliance therapy from a qualified dentist as an alternative. This is especially good news for those OSA sufferers who have been deemed CPAP intolerant by their sleep doctors. The Stop Snoring Lawton team is here to help, if you’re suffering from snoring, OSA, or are CPAP intolerant.
Should I Consider Treatment with an Oral Appliance?
Patients should consider all of their treatment options to ensure they have chosen the right solution for their unique needs. Oral Appliance Therapy will offer adequate treatment for patients in all of the following situations:
- To effectively treat mild to moderate sleep apnea
- Following surgical intervention for sleep apnea that does not achieve the desired result
- To improve quality and quantity of sleep for patients who are CPAP intolerant
- To treat chronic snoring in patients who are not diagnosed with sleep apnea as a preventive measure and to improve sleep
- Regular travelers, especially patients who often travel by plane, should consider the portable oral appliance therapy to improve compliance
- In combination with CPAP therapy for more severe cases of sleep apnea
A Viable Alternative for CPAP Intolerant Patients
If you’ve ever completed a CPR course, you likely remember that you should tilt the persons head back and position the jaw forward in order to clear their airway before you begin CPR or mouth to mouth breathing. An oral appliance uses this same method to clear an obstructed airway, allowing patients to sleep soundly through the night. The appliances will gently push the jaw forward. This places pressure on the throat muscles and prevents obstruction. Many CPAP intolerant patients find Oral Appliance Therapy a much more comfortable alternative to their CPAP masks. However, before moving forward with Oral Appliance Therapy, patients should be aware of some side effects that may occur as they adjust to their appliance. Some of the common patient experiences during this adjustment period include:
- Pain in the jaw, clicking sounds, or changes in the resting position of the jaw
- Sore and sensitive teeth and soft tissue
- Increased or decreased saliva production
- Feeling like your bite has shifted
Treatment Recommendations from the AASM, the AADSM, and the ASBA
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), and the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA) set the standards in care for patients suffering from sleep apnea. These three organizations offer continuing education, certification, and training for doctors and dentists who wish to expand their knowledge and ability when it comes to treating sleep apnea sufferers. Dr. Drummond has achieved the highest status within the ASBA. As a Diplomate within this organization, he is able to provide quality, effective sleep apnea therapies, and he and his team work hard to exceed the highest patient expectations.
In keeping with recommendations outlined by these three regulating organizations, patients should consider visiting a dentist for Oral Appliance Therapy in the following situations:
- To treat chronic, loud snoring even for patients who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Left untreated, snoring may develop into a more serious condition, so preventive intervention using oral appliances may be beneficial.
- There are some oral appliances on the market that aren’t custom crafted by a dental practitioner. While these may provide some relief, they are often uncomfortable, which leads to diminished patient compliance. Additionally, the efficacy of these appliances is significantly lower compared with custom solutions.
- Patients who fail to consistently use their CPAP systems due to frequent travel or CPAP intolerance should be referred by a sleep physician to a qualified sleep dentist. Oral Appliance Therapy may be the better treatment solution for these patients.
- Patients with oral appliances will need to develop a plan for periodic checkups in partnership with their sleep dentist. During these maintenance visits, the dentist should check the fit and effectiveness of the appliance, and make recommendations for any changes necessary to improve quality of sleep.
- Directly following the fitting of an appliance, patients will need to undergo a follow up sleep study either through their sleep physician or using an at-home sleep testing tool. This ensures the treatment is effectively improving sleep.
- Patients may want to create an ongoing care plan with a sleep physician in addition to visiting a sleep dentist to ensure their condition remains under control.
What Types of Oral Appliances Do We Use?
We offer effective, predictable sleep apnea therapy using a variety of custom crafted oral appliances. These appliances may be also be referred to as occlusal splints. They keep the airway clear by shifting the jaw forward. This puts pressure on the throat muscles and prevents blockage of airflow during sleep. We use numerous popular oral appliance brands, and we’ll work with you to determine which of these appliances best matches your sleep apnea therapy needs.
Learn More About Our Oral Appliance Options
At the Lawton sleep dentistry practice of David J. Drummond, DDS, we offer effective treatment for sleep apnea sufferers. If you’re looking to sleep better and improve your daytime energy levels, it’s time to schedule a consultation with our dedicated sleep dentist. Contact our office to schedule your appointment today.
Rhinometry
A rhinometer is a device that uses sound waves to map out a patient’s nasal passages. Testing with this instrument is easy and noninvasive, and it can give Dr. Drummond insight into the specific factors that are causing your nighttime breathing problems, such as congestion or anatomical factors. The results of a rhinometry test can be paired with the results of your sleep test to determine the best type of oral appliance for you.