A Neuromuscular Dentistry Approach to Better Sleep
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Tulsa
At Dieterlen Dental in Tulsa, OK, we recognize that sleep apnea, a common form of sleep-disordered breathing, is more than just a sleep disorder; it’s often interconnected with your oral health and jaw function. Our unique approach to sleep apnea treatment leverages the principles of neuromuscular dentistry (also known as TMJ dentistry), aiming to address the root causes of your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for optimal relief and improved overall well-being.
Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, called apneas or hypopneas, can occur many times throughout the night, leading to fragmented sleep, daytime fatigue, and a host of health complications.
In many cases, sleep apnea is related to the position and function of your jaw and associated muscles. Misalignment of the jaw or tension in the muscles, sometimes associated with TMJ disorder (TMD), can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep, leading to breathing pauses. Our neuromuscular dentistry approach focuses on identifying and addressing these underlying issues to provide long-lasting relief from sleep apnea.
We offer a range of personalized sleep apnea treatment options within the scope of neuromuscular dentistry:
1
Oral Appliance Therapy
Custom-made oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), gently reposition your jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway during sleep, reducing or eliminating sleep apnea episodes. These sleep apnea appliances are a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for many patients.
2
Neuromuscular Orthodontics
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to correct jaw misalignment and improve airway function, contributing to the reduction of sleep apnea symptoms.
3
TMD Therapy
If temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a contributing factor to your sleep apnea, we offer a range of TMD therapies to alleviate pain and improve jaw function.
4
Lifestyle Modifications
We’ll work with you to identify lifestyle factors that may contribute to sleep apnea, such as weight gain or alcohol consumption, and develop strategies to address them.
Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Journey at Dieterlen Dental
1. Comprehensive Evaluation: We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your oral health, jaw function, and sleep patterns to identify the root cause of your sleep apnea.
2. Diagnostic Testing: We may recommend diagnostic tests like sleep studies to assess the severity of your sleep apnea and guide our treatment approach.
3. Personalized Treatment Plan: We’ll develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, utilizing a combination of neuromuscular dentistry techniques and oral appliance therapy.
4. Ongoing Care and Support: We’ll monitor your progress and provide ongoing support to ensure your treatment’s effectiveness and optimize your sleep quality.
Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of restful nights and vibrant days. Schedule a consultation with our experienced neuromuscular dentists in Tulsa today and discover how our comprehensive approach can help you overcome sleep apnea and improve your overall well-being.