In our previous blog, we talked about the process of diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with a thorough sleep assessment. However, we also have another convenient option to provide an accurate diagnosis. In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist will look at our home sleep test, and what you should expect from this process.
Warning Signs to Watch For
The disorder actually causes us to stop breathing several times at night, which happens when the soft tissues in the throat and mouth collapse and block airflow. The brain wakes us, and this interrupts the sleep cycle, even if we don’t remember it. Over time, the lack of uninterrupted sleep impacts our day, and eventually, could harm our overall oral health. Warning signs include daytime exhaustion, dry mouth when waking, trouble staying focused on tasks during the day, moodiness or depression, and headaches. If you experience one or more of these potential warning signs, then contact our team today so we can offer a thorough diagnosis.
What is a Home Sleep Test?
We will send you home with a small device called a Pulse Oximeter, which is worn on your wrist as you sleep and records a number of factors that could highlight the presence of OSA, such as blood oxygen levels, labored breathing, heart rate, cessation of breathing, and episodes of waking. We then look for patterns in these results to see if you need treatment.
How Long Do I Use The Device?
Typically, the device is worn for three to four nights. These results, combined with the results of a sleep assessment, may be enough for us to recommend treatment. However, in some situations we may actually need to prescribe a professional sleep study in a lab setting for the most accurate results.
How Do You Treat OSA?
Once we know you require treatment, we will likely take detailed impressions, images, and measurements of your smile, which we use to design and create a custom-made oral splint. The device looks and fits like a mouthguard, and is worn as you sleep. The oral appliance actually moves the jaw forward to help prevent the collapse of soft tissues, so you breathe without interruption throughout the night, avoiding symptoms of OSA and enjoying improved quality of life. If you have any questions about treating OSA with a custom device, or about our home sleep test and assessments, then contact our team today.
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Provides a Home Sleep Study
At Smith Family Dentistry, our team is ready to help find out if you benefit from our treatment options. To learn more about how we take an accurate and precise diagnosis, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.