SERVICES > AIRWAY MANAGEMENT
Airway Management and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Hood River, OR
Airway dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the relationship between the upper airway, the jaw, and the teeth. It is based on the principle that the size and shape of the upper airway, jaw and teeth can affect breathing, sleep and overall health. Airway dentistry aims to improve the function of the upper airway by correcting any structural issues that may be causing or contributing to breathing or sleep problems.
Airway Dentistry can be divided into two main categories:
Diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
Orthodontic treatment to correct jaw and teeth position to improve the upper airway.
The first category, Diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) focuses on identifying and treating breathing problems during sleep, such as sleep apnea, which is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This can involve using diagnostic tools such as a sleep study to determine the severity of the breathing problem, and then using treatment options such as oral appliances to correct the problem.
The second category, Orthodontic treatment to correct jaw and teeth position to improve the upper airway, involves using orthodontic techniques such as braces or Invisalign to correct the position of the jaw and teeth in order to improve the function of the upper airway.
What are the signs of sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea?
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) or sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. The signs of SDB can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
Loud snoring: It is caused by the vibration of the soft tissues in the back of the throat.
Choking or gasping during sleep: When breathing stops for a short period, the brain sends a signal to wake up the person to restore normal breathing.
Gasping for air: This can happen during sleep, and can also be a sign of sleep apnea.
Daytime sleepiness: People with sleep apnea may feel excessively sleepy during the day, even if they have had a full night's sleep.
Morning headaches: Waking up with a headache can be a sign of sleep apnea.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, as well as waking up frequently during the night, can be a sign of sleep apnea.
Restless sleep: People with sleep apnea may toss and turn in bed, and may have trouble staying asleep.
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems: People with sleep apnea may have difficulty focusing and remembering things during the day.
High blood pressure: Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
Depression or anxiety: People with sleep apnea may also experience depression or anxiety, and may have a lower quality of life.
It's important to note that not all people with sleep apnea may have all these symptoms.
Treatment Options
Our dentists at Hood River Dental are highly trained in sleep issues and airway management and can play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea by providing several options of treatment such as:
Oral Appliances: We can fit patients with custom-made oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MAD), that work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to open up the airway and prevent the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. These appliances are similar to a sports mouthguard and worn during sleep.
Orthodontic treatment: We can use orthodontic techniques such as braces or Invisalign to correct the position of the jaw and teeth, which can help to improve the function of the upper airway.
Surgery referral: In cases where the patient's condition is severe, we may refer the patient to a specialist for surgical treatment options such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or genioglossus advancement (GA). These procedures can be used to widen the airway by removing excess tissue or by repositioning the tongue.
Lifestyle and behavior modification: We can also educate the patient on lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and sleeping on the side rather than the back.
It's important to note that the treatment option will depend on the individual's case and the severity of the sleep apnea. A comprehensive evaluation will be done by your dentist, and the patient may also need to undergo a sleep study to determine the type and severity of sleep apnea. Once the diagnosis is made, the dentist will work with the patient and other healthcare providers, such as a sleep physician, to provide the best treatment plan.