Every year more than 7 million Americans receive a sleep apnea diagnosis. For many, they believe that a dentist is involved in diagnosing sleep apnea. Although dentists treat sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy, dentists are not able to diagnose sleep apnea. However, your dental office team can often help coordinate the diagnosis process described below.
What is Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a medical condition where sufferers experience abnormal breathing during sleep. Irregular breathing could range from pauses of breaths or the complete stopping of breathing. Additionally, due to abnormal breathing, individuals’ oxygen levels are affected. This low level of oxygen supply can result in more serious health conditions.
There are three types of sleep apnea:
Treatment approaches will vary, depending on the sleep apnea diagnosis. After a sleep apnea diagnosis, it is essential to see a sleep medicine specialist, ensuring all treatment options are discussed.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
If an individual experiences the following symptoms, they should discuss with their doctor the possibility of undergoing a sleep study for a potential sleep apnea diagnosis:
A dentist that specializes in sleep medicine or a family doctor will recommend a sleep study. Undergoing a polysomnogram or sleep study will be the deciding factor in diagnosing sleep apnea. Sleep studies consist of multiple tests that record specific activities of the body during sleep. They may be administered in a sleep laboratory or at home with a home sleep test. When conducted in the lab, technicians will place electrodes on the person’s face and scalp. Technicians will also continually monitor oxygen levels and breathing by placing belts around the person’s chest and abdomen. However, when conducting an at-home sleep test, an individual will use fewer electrodes. Additionally, the patient places their monitors and usually sleeps in their bed.
Other tests that may occur during a sleep study are:
Afterward, a sleep medicine specialist will receive the results of the sleep study for interpretation and diagnosis. Whether done in a lab or at home, the polysomnogram will aid in prescribing a personal treatment plan.
Contact Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding diagnosing sleep apnea and the various treatment options, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice conveniently located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in sleep medicine.
We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!
What is Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a medical condition where sufferers experience abnormal breathing during sleep. Irregular breathing could range from pauses of breaths or the complete stopping of breathing. Additionally, due to abnormal breathing, individuals’ oxygen levels are affected. This low level of oxygen supply can result in more serious health conditions.
There are three types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Happens when the airway at the back of the throat is blocked
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
- Occurs when the brain’s system for muscle control is not functioning properly
- Mixed or Complex Sleep Apnea
- A blend of Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea
Treatment approaches will vary, depending on the sleep apnea diagnosis. After a sleep apnea diagnosis, it is essential to see a sleep medicine specialist, ensuring all treatment options are discussed.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
If an individual experiences the following symptoms, they should discuss with their doctor the possibility of undergoing a sleep study for a potential sleep apnea diagnosis:
- Extreme fatigue
- Interrupted breathing
- Headaches or migraines
- Unable to concentrate
- Snoring
- Sore or dry throat in the morning
A dentist that specializes in sleep medicine or a family doctor will recommend a sleep study. Undergoing a polysomnogram or sleep study will be the deciding factor in diagnosing sleep apnea. Sleep studies consist of multiple tests that record specific activities of the body during sleep. They may be administered in a sleep laboratory or at home with a home sleep test. When conducted in the lab, technicians will place electrodes on the person’s face and scalp. Technicians will also continually monitor oxygen levels and breathing by placing belts around the person’s chest and abdomen. However, when conducting an at-home sleep test, an individual will use fewer electrodes. Additionally, the patient places their monitors and usually sleeps in their bed.
Other tests that may occur during a sleep study are:
- EEG (electroencephalography)
- Measures and records brain waves
- EMG (electromyography)
- Records muscle activity of the face, teeth, and legs
- EOG (electrooculography)
- Records eye movements
- EKG (electrocardiogram)
- Records heart rate and rhythm
- Nasal airflow sensor
- Records airflow
- Snore microphone
- Records snoring
Afterward, a sleep medicine specialist will receive the results of the sleep study for interpretation and diagnosis. Whether done in a lab or at home, the polysomnogram will aid in prescribing a personal treatment plan.
Contact Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding diagnosing sleep apnea and the various treatment options, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice conveniently located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in sleep medicine.
We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!
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