Your Greenville, TX, dentist knows how to treat issues like chronic snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with a custom oral appliance. But how do we diagnose the issue and choose the best solution? In today’s blog, we’re talking about common warning signs to watch for, as well as our at-home assessment and home sleep test!
When to Talk to Our Team
With this disorder, your actually stop breathing for brief periods several times in the night. Sometimes, you may wake up, but most of the time you have little memory of this happening. These interruptions to your sleep cycle can leave your exhausted and sleep-deprived. The cessation of breathing is due to the collapse of soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat. Warning signs could include chronic snoring, trouble staying awake, waking suddenly in the night choking or gasping for air, moodiness, dry mouth, and headaches. If you encounter one or more of these potential symptoms, then give us a call!
The Home Sleep Test
First, we will start with a sleep assessment. We want to look for common risk factors, such as obesity, sinus or allergy issues, how often you wake up, and your sleep habits. If the assessment indicates the presence of OSA, then we next send you home with the pulse oximeter device. This small device sits at your bedside and measures various factors of your sleep including how often you wake and your blood-oxygen levels. When we look at the results, we will be able to see if you need treatment, and can start the process.
A Physician Ordered Sleep Study
For some people, we may still recommend a physician-ordered sleep study, in which you rest in a lab setting monitored by a doctor. This is the most accurate diagnosis possible.
What Happens Next?
We may suggest a few changes to your nighttime habits to improve how well you rest. We could also create an oral appliance to wear at night too. The device will fit like a mouthguard and is worn as you rest. The device then moves the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues so you rest without any interruption throughout the night. The oral appliance is crafted based on detailed digital images and impressions of your smile and custom-fitted for precise and accurate treatment. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like OSA or chronic snoring, then contact our team today.
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Offers Better Rest
At Smith Family Dentistry, our team wants to help you sleep without difficulty once again. To learn more about how we choose the best treatment option for you, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.