Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) impacts as many as 25 million people in the United States according to some estimates. To offer relief, we need to provide a thorough diagnosis and choose the right treatment option. In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist will explain how we test for sleep apnea from your own home!
When to Seek a Test
The goal of an at-home sleep test is to find out if you have OSA and need treatment. Common symptoms our patients report prior to seeing us include daytime drowsiness, moodiness, depression, trouble concentrating on tasks at work or school, and waking up suddenly gasping for air or choking in the night. Dry mouth and headaches are common too. When you see us, we begin with a sleep assessment to find out if you meet criteria and risk factors for disorders like OSA. If so, the next step involves sending you home with the pulse oximeter device.
The Pulse Oximeter
The device is small and sits at your bedside at night. You will have it on hand for about three to four nights in average, and the device will measure and record sleep patterns, cessation of breathing, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate. We then look at the records to find out if you benefit from treatment. In some cases, our team will recommend a physician ordered in-lab sleep study for the most accurate and precise results. But often, the pulse oximeter is enough to find out if you need a sleep appliance.
What Happens After the Test?
Instead of the CPAP machine, we will likely help you rest easier with a sleep appliance. The device is similar in appearance to a mouthguard, and is worn as you rest at night. The goal of the device is to prevent the collapse of soft tissues and cessation of breathing that interrupt your sleep cycle. The device is crafted based on detailed images and measurements we take of your smile, crafted to fit comfortably, so you rest easily. While you rest, the device repositions your jaw, moving it forward slightly to prevent the collapse of tissues. You could also make other changes to your routine, such as maintaining a regular bedtime, resting on your side, and keeping your bedroom dark and cool. If you have any questions about how we treat disorders and help our patients rest with ease, then contact our team today. Let’s make big changes for your health and comfort in 2021!
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Wants to Help You Rest
At Smith Family Dentistry, we want to provide a thorough and accurate diagnosis from your own home. To learn more about addressing a serious disorder like OSA, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.