Dentists- Understand Your Place In The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Sleep Apnea In Your Patients

Let's face it-no one wants to deal with a partner who snores every night

. We often find snoring to be annoying, as it frequently interrupts our own sleep-leaving us cranky and tired the next day. However, did you know that snoring could be a sign that something more serious is going on? It is estimated that approximately 60 million Americans snore and at least 18 million of those who snore, have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Some of the most common signs of OSA include snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Since patients typically visit the dentist more often than other health care professionals, dentists have an excellent opportunity to help educate, diagnose and treat their patients with oral appliances when it is determined to be the best treatment of choice. So, dentists, what exactly is your role in sleep apnea? Let's find out.

First, What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical disorder that can only be diagnosed by a sleep specialist in a sleep clinic. Once the sleep study is complete, your dentist can go ahead and offer appropriate treatment plans to help you rest easy at night. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common of the sleep related breathing disorders and is widely recognized as a public health issue.

For many years, OSA has been misdiagnosed with depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). All of these disorders can result from lack of adequate oxygen in the blood, which is common with patients with OSA. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea typically will fall asleep at any time of the day-in meetings, at work, while driving, and while watching TV, which is all due to inadequate sleep at night. Waking up 20-50 times per hours, every hour all night long can take a toll on a person's health, which is why patients are extremely tired the next day.

The Role of the Dentist

By understanding sleep apnea and helping patients who have it, you, the dentist, can save many people's lives-not only those who suffer from the disorder, but those who may be on the road, in flight, or working with them. Most time, people who have sleep apnea are not aware of their symptoms because they are asleep when they occur. If a patient is unaware of his or her sleep apnea, as a dentist you may be able to identify particular physical symptoms.

Dr. Rondeau advises general dentists and their team members to develop strong relationships with a sleep center. By teaming up with a physician, dentists can offer accurate results and provide the best treatment possible. Dentists who establish a relationship with a sleep center physician will be able to provide their patients with the best results. While it may take a while to form a strong bond, when it does happen it is well worth it. In Dr. Rondeau's case, his relationship with a sleep center allows him to help the physician, while the physician helps him.

Once the dentist and physician have established that the patient does indeed have sleep apnea, there are three different treatment options available:

*A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine

*An oral appliance

*Surgery

Today, most patients do not go under surgery for treatment. Instead, most are treated with an oral appliance for comfort and accurate results. However, CPAP is also always an option for patients who do not mind wearing a mask as they sleep.

Dr. Rondeau encourages dentists to visit Rondeau Seminars' website for more information on snoring and sleep apnea. With proper online courses, dentists from all over can increase their education and understanding of treating sleep apnea.

by: Gen Wright

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