Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The term sleep apnea is derived from the Greek etymology meaning “without breath”. Breathing pauses can last anywhere from several seconds to minutes, and happen as often as 30 times or more per hour. Ongoing disrupted breathing causes an imbalance between the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the bloodstream, as not enough carbon dioxide is exiting and not enough oxygen is entering the body.
Sensing this imbalance, the brain sends a message to the body, telling it to wake up to restart the breathing process. People with sleep apnea will partially awake as they struggle to breathe, and this is often accompanied by loud snoring or choking sensations. Because people with sleep apnea don’t always completely awake during the episodes, they are often unaware they have a sleeping disorder and it can remain undiagnosed.
There are two main types of this disorder; central sleep apnea which occurs when the brain fails to send important signals to the breathing muscles, and obstructive sleep apnea which occurs when air cannot flow through the nose or mouth even though the body is still trying to breathe. Obstructive sleep apnea is far more prevalent and easily treatable by the dentist.
Common signs of obstructive sleep apnea can include severe early morning headaches, sleepiness in the daytime, and insomnia. Fortunately, the dentist is equipped with the necessary technology and expertise to treat sleep apnea in several different ways.
Reason for treating sleep apnea
It is very important to seek medical attention if sleep apnea is suspected. A sufferer can completely stop breathing numerous times per hour, and this can quickly turn into a deadly situation. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue lying at the back of the patient’s throat collapses into the airway. The tongue then falls towards the back of the throat which tightens the blockage and prevents oxygen from entering the lungs.
The problem worsens when the chest region, diaphragm, and abdomen fight for air. The efforts they make to obtain vital oxygen only cause a further tightening of the blockage. The patient must arouse from deep sleep to tense the tongue and remove the soft tissue from the airway.
Because sleep apnea causes carbon dioxide levels to skyrocket in the blood and oxygen levels to decrease, the heart has to pump harder and faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Sleep apnea patients can technically “die” many times each night. Sleep apnea has been linked to a series of serious heart-related conditions, and should be investigated by the dentist at the earliest opportunity.
What does sleep apnea treatment involve?
Initially, the dentist will want to conduct tests in order to investigate, diagnose, and pinpoint a suitable treatment. The dentist can offer many different treatment options which depend largely on the exact diagnosis and the health of the patient. The dentist may advise the patient to halt some habits that aggravate sleep apnea such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and tranquilizer use.
Sleeping masks were traditionally used to keep the patient’s airways open while they slept, but nowadays there are some less intrusive options. Dental devices that gently tease the lower jaw forward are very effective in preventing the tongue from blocking the main air passage. These dental devices are gentle, easy to wear, and often help patients avoid unwanted surgeries.
A more permanent solution is to have surgery that sections the lower jaw and helps pull the bone holding the tongue forward slightly. This surgery has an impressive success rate and is simple for the dentist or oral surgeon to perform. The dentist needs to formally make a diagnosis of each individual case before recommending the best course of action.
If you feel you may benefit from sleep apnea treatment, contact our practice today.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Sleep Apnea
in Bonham, TX
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep and temporarily block your airway. Each time this happens, your brain briefly wakes you to reopen the airway, often without you being aware of it. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, preventing you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep your body needs. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to serious health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and chronic fatigue.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Many people with sleep apnea do not realize they have it because the most obvious symptoms occur while they are asleep. Common signs include loud, chronic snoring, gasping or choking sounds during sleep (often noticed by a bed partner), waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness even after a full night in bed, difficulty concentrating or memory problems, irritability or mood changes, and frequently waking up during the night to use the bathroom. If your bed partner reports that you stop breathing periodically during the night, or if you experience persistent daytime fatigue that does not improve with more sleep, these are strong indicators that a sleep apnea evaluation may be needed.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study, also called a polysomnography. This can be conducted at a sleep center or, in many cases, with a home sleep test device that monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate while you sleep. During your evaluation at Bonham Sunshine Dental & Implant Center, Dr. Ramchand may identify signs of sleep apnea during a routine dental examination, such as worn tooth surfaces from grinding (bruxism), a scalloped tongue, or redness in the throat. If she suspects sleep apnea, she can refer you for a formal sleep study and work with your physician to coordinate your diagnosis and treatment.
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Yes. Dentists play an important role in treating obstructive sleep apnea, particularly for patients with mild to moderate OSA or those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. Dr. Ramchand can design and fit a custom oral appliance—a small, comfortable device worn in the mouth during sleep—that repositions the lower jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open. Oral appliance therapy is a well-established, FDA-approved treatment option that is recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as an effective alternative to CPAP for qualifying patients. Treatment always begins with a proper diagnosis from a sleep study, and Dr. Ramchand works in coordination with your physician or sleep specialist to ensure the most appropriate care plan.
What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea, and how does it work?
A dental sleep apnea appliance is a custom-made device that looks similar to a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer. It is worn over the upper and lower teeth during sleep. The appliance works by gently advancing the lower jaw (mandible) forward, which tightens the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway and prevents the tongue and throat tissues from collapsing and blocking airflow. Because it is custom-fitted to your teeth by Dr. Ramchand using precise dental impressions, the appliance is comfortable, compact, and easy to travel with—unlike a CPAP machine. Most patients adjust to wearing it within a few nights.
What is the difference between an oral appliance and a CPAP machine?
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine uses a mask connected to a motorized unit that delivers a constant stream of pressurized air to keep your airway open during sleep. It is highly effective for all severity levels of sleep apnea, but some patients find the mask uncomfortable, the noise disruptive, or the equipment difficult to travel with. An oral appliance is a small, silent, portable device worn in the mouth that repositions the jaw to maintain an open airway. It is generally recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for those with severe OSA who are unable or unwilling to use a CPAP. Some patients use both—an oral appliance for travel and a CPAP at home. The right option depends on the severity of your condition, your anatomy, and your personal preferences, which Dr. Ramchand will discuss with you during your consultation.
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
Not always, but snoring is one of the most common symptoms. Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate. While many people who snore do not have sleep apnea, loud and chronic snoring—especially when accompanied by pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking sounds—is a strong indicator that obstruction may be occurring. Other causes of snoring include nasal congestion, alcohol consumption before bed, sleeping position, and excess weight. If your snoring is loud enough to disturb a bed partner, or if you experience daytime fatigue alongside the snoring, it is worth discussing with Dr. Ramchand or your physician. A sleep study is the only way to confirm whether sleep apnea is present.
What are the health risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea places significant strain on your cardiovascular system and overall health. Each time your airway closes during sleep, your blood oxygen level drops, your heart rate fluctuates, and your body releases stress hormones. Over months and years, this cycle increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), and type 2 diabetes. Sleep apnea is also linked to weight gain, depression, impaired memory and concentration, and a higher risk of motor vehicle and workplace accidents due to chronic drowsiness. Because the condition develops gradually, many people live with it for years without realizing the impact it is having on their health and quality of life.
Is there a connection between sleep apnea and teeth grinding?
Yes. Research has shown a strong association between obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching during sleep). One theory is that when the airway becomes partially blocked, the body instinctively moves the jaw forward and clenches to try to reopen the airway, which manifests as grinding. Dr. Ramchand may notice signs of bruxism during a routine dental exam—such as worn, flattened, or chipped teeth, jaw soreness, and headaches—before you are even aware of a sleep breathing problem. If she identifies bruxism-related wear patterns, she may recommend a sleep apnea screening to determine whether the grinding is related to an underlying airway issue. Treating the sleep apnea often helps reduce the grinding as well.
Does Bonham Sunshine Dental treat sleep apnea?
Yes. Bonham Sunshine Dental & Implant Center provides custom oral appliance therapy for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Kajuri Ramchand evaluates your oral structures, reviews your sleep study results, and designs a custom-fitted appliance to help keep your airway open during sleep. She works in coordination with your physician or sleep specialist to ensure your treatment plan is appropriate for the severity of your condition. Our office serves patients from Bonham, Trenton, Savoy, Honey Grove, Dodd City, Leonard, Whitewright, and throughout Fannin County, Texas. To schedule a sleep apnea consultation or learn more about oral appliance therapy, call us at 903-583-7786 or request an appointment online.