An estimate of 40 million Americans lives with obstructive sleep conditions such as snoring. This condition occurs when there is partial obstruction of air when breathing in, resulting in the vibration of your upper airway soft tissues. Snoring may be a nuisance to your partner and other people in your household. You can, however, seek medical attention from your dentist at Chase Dental Sleepcare for Commack dental airway assessment to get rid of sleep apnea.
What is a dental airway assessment?
Dental airway assessment is a procedure used to diagnose and offer treatment for sleep conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea shares this trustworthy Avon Lake dentist. Your dentist may detect your disease earlier because of much knowledge regarding your facial skeleton and occlusion.
Several conditions may cause airway obstruction, including:
· A deviated or collapsed septum.
· Long and thick soft palate.
· Presence of excess throat tissue such as pharyngeal tonsillitis and enlarged palatine.
· Poor muscle tone in your soft palate and tongue.
Certain factors may increase your chances of snoring which include:
· Obesity
· Alcohol intake
· Smoking
· Prolonged periods of sitting
· A wide neck circumference
Assessment for airway obstruction
Your dentist at Chase Dental Sleepcare may ask you to open your mouth, and your doctor will measure the mandibular opening. If your mandible is smaller than usual, you may be having tongue obstruction. A large mandible may also affect your breathing by elongating the oral axis.
A Mallampati classification enables your dental specialist to evaluate the size of your tongue and oral cavity. When your tongue obstructs the view of the pharyngeal structure, you may experience difficulty in breathing. Classification involves four classes:
· Class I: palatal arch and bilateral faucal pillars are visible.
· Class II: soft palate, fauces, and uvula are visible.
· Class III: Hard and soft palates are visible.
· Class IV: only the hard palate is visible.
Based on your diagnosis, your specialist may recommend treatment for snoring. For example:
Continuous positive airway pressure
Your doctor may suggest this treatment method for you if you have obstructive sleep apnea. You will cover your nose and mouth while sleeping using a special mask that directs pressurized air in your nostrils to keep your airway open. You may experience a few side effects, such as nasal congestion and the feeling of claustrophobia while under your mask.
Oral appliances
Dental mouthpieces may help position your tongue and soft palate to keep your airways open and prevent snoring. Your dentist may help to fit and place the appliance in your mouth. You may experience a buildup of saliva, pain in your jaw, and facial discomfort.
Dietary changes
If you are overweight, excess tissues in your throat may contribute to snoring. Your specialist may recommend that you include some changes in your diet. For example, you may need to eat small portions of food and avoid foods rich in fat to enhance weight loss.
Treatment of snoring helps to improve your overall health. Reserve a session with your dentist at Chase Dental Sleepcare for dental airway assessment to get rid of any obstruction in your airways.
