Understanding Dental Sleep Medicine

The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine® says, “Dental sleep medicine is an area of dental practice that focuses on using oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).”

Recent innovations in this discipline prompted professionals to adopt a newer, more comprehensive definition: “Dental Sleep Medicine is the discipline concerned with the study of the oral and maxillofacial causes and consequences of sleep-related problems.”

The Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center uses dental sleep medicine to treat sleep-related breathing disorders that significantly impact overall health and well-being. Our specialists offer effective and noninvasive treatment options to help you rest better, improve your health and enjoy a better quality of life.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

One of the primary conditions that dental sleep medicine addresses is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can lead to fragmented sleep, decreased oxygen levels in the blood and a range of health problems, including hypertension, heart disease and daytime fatigue. Over 80% of individuals with OSA are not diagnosed and, therefore, receive no treatment.

Dental sleep medicine offers a conservative and effective treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea in the form of oral appliance therapy. This involves the use of custom-fit oral appliances that are worn during sleep to help keep the airway open and prevent the collapse of soft tissues in the throat. These appliances, being comfortable, easy to wear and convenient for travel, make the treatment process less daunting, especially for individuals who are unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

TMJ Treatment

In addition to treating sleep-related breathing disorders, dental sleep medicine also encompasses the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The TMJ is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, and TMJ disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches and difficulty chewing. Dental sleep medicine professionals, with their specialized training and expertise, are well-equipped to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders, often using a combination of oral appliances, physical therapy and other conservative treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve jaw function.

Dental Sleep Medicine Professionals

Dental sleep medicine is highly multidisciplinary and demands a great deal of specialist medical know-how from those who work in it. Our sleep medicine professionals have training and experience in the following:

• Ear, nose and throat specialization
• Neurology
• Pulmonary diseases
• Internal medicine
• Psychiatry
• Oral Medicine
• Orthodontics

Dental sleep medicine is crucial in addressing sleep-related breathing disorders and TMJ disorders, offering patients effective and customized treatment options that can significantly improve their quality of life. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleep apnea or TMJ disorder symptoms, contact the Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center at (678) 401-7615 or complete the contact form to request a consultation appointment.

Consulting with a dental sleep medicine specialist can provide valuable insights and personalized care to address these conditions, potentially significantly improving your quality of life.