Can a Dentist Help With Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which your breathing temporarily stops during the night. These windows can only last as little as 10 seconds, though some patients go without breathing for even a minute.

This sleep disorder is bad news for your health, so if you’re looking for sleep apnea treatment in Southington, you might be wondering where to turn. Well, sometimes you can turn to a local dentist!

Here’s why:

Sleep Apnea: What Can Southington Dentists Do?

Many dentists can help people with sleep apnea access special tools and appliances designed to maintain this condition and reduce its impact.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for sleep apnea, and specialists are still debating what causes it. But several great methods can help you keep it under control and restore a good night’s sleep.

However, note that not all dentists offer treatments for sleep apnea. These are considered a type of specialized care, and it’s important to look for a local dentist with the right training and skills to help you manage sleep apnea, like Dr. Salesky. 

Sleep Apnea: What Can’t Southington Dentists Do?

Dentists cannot officially diagnose sleep apnea; only a sleep specialist can do that. But your Southington dentist can provide a home test, even notice the signs of apnea, and refer you to the right specialist for an official diagnosis.

Once you get an official diagnosis, you can return to your Southington dentist to discover your sleep apnea treatment options.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated by Southington Dentists?

Sleep apnea treatments usually involve making sure your breathing isn’t interrupted while you sleep. To achieve this, Dr. Salesky may recommend:

• Oral appliances: A custom mouthguard can realign your jaw and keep it in the right position while sleeping, effectively preventing those breathing pauses;
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This is a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air while you sleep. It requires wearing a mask, and while it doesn’t prevent sleep apnea, it can counter its effects by making sure your body is still getting enough oxygen.

Apart from these tools, there are also lots of lifestyle changes you can make to keep your condition under control, such as changing your diet or not smoking. Dr. Salesky can provide you with some counseling on what changes you can make to ensure sleep apnea no longer controls your life!

Schedule a Visit to Southington Dentistry Today

Dr. Neil Salesky is here to help make sure sleep apnea stops disturbing your sleep and your health.

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect you might be dealing with it, schedule an appointment at Southington Dentistry, and Dr. Salesky can help you figure out your next steps.

Have more questions about our sleep apnea treatments? Then feel free to call us at (860) 628-5029 for a short chat.