Sleep Dentistry
Spokane, WA
 Here at Dynamic Dental Care in Spokane, WA we specialize in numerous dental services. We believe in providing our patients with all of their dental care needs in just one location. Kyle Huish, DDS and his team are here to address your oral care. This includes the areas of sleep dentistry and treating sleep apnea.
Sleep Dentistry and Sedation Dentistry
Sleep dentistry and sedation dentistry are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually refer to slightly different concepts in the field of dentistry. The primary difference between sleep dentistry and sedation dentistry lies in the level of consciousness of the patient during the dental procedure. Sleep dentistry implies complete unconsciousness, often achieved with general anesthesia, while sedation dentistry involves inducing a state of deep relaxation and anxiety reduction while maintaining various levels of consciousness, from fully awake to semi-conscious. The choice between the two approaches depends on the specific needs of the patient and the nature of the dental procedure.
Which Dental Procedures May Require Sleep Dentistry?
If you are requiring restorative dental procedures, sleep dentistry can help provide the calm and relaxation you need. Some procedures require lengthy, or multiple, appointments, such as dental implant placement. Other oral surgery procedures in which sedation dentistry can be beneficial include tooth extractions (especially for impacted wisdom teeth), jaw surgeries, full-mouth reconstructions, undergoing root canal therapy, or when receiving multiple crowns. Sedation is also encouraged during gum surgeries such as gum grafting or pocket reduction surgery.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is different than sleep dentistry. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions occur when the muscles at the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, leading to temporary pauses in breathing. Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on a person's sleep quality and overall health. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed (also called complex) sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to become partially or completely blocked. This leads to breathing pauses that can last for several seconds or even minutes. When breathing resumes, it is often accompanied by a loud snort or choking sound. Central sleep apnea results from a failure of the brain to send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. People with this type of sleep apnea may experience irregular breathing patterns, including periods of no breathing. Central sleep apnea is often associated with certain medical conditions, such as heart failure or certain neurological disorders. The third type of sleep apnea is mixed sleep apnea, in which patients exhibit symptoms of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea can experience excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and irritability and mood changes.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, dental appliances or oral mandibular advancement devices that prevent the tongue from blocking the throat and advance the lower jaw forward can be made. These devices help keep the airway open during sleep. Our professionals can determine if this treatment or other oral appliance therapies will work best for you.
Sleep Dentistry in Spokane WA
To learn more about how sleep dentistry and oral appliance therapy can help treat your dental concerns, call Dynamic Dental Care at (509) 466-2587 today to schedule a consultation. Our dentist, Kyle Huish, DDS, will work with you to diagnose and treat your disorder.
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