Dental Sleep Medicine
Certified by the Spanish Sleep Federation (FESMES)
Do you snore, or do you have a partner who keeps you awake with their snoring? Snoring usually indicates an airway obstruction. It could be vagal, simply a narrow airway that produces sound when you're asleep, or it could signal a more serious problem like obstructive sleep apnea.
Dental sleep medicine involves the use of an intraoral appliance to treat sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dental sleep medicine?
Dental sleep medicine involves the use of an intraoral appliance to treat sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
It's a common sleep disorder characterized by multiple upper airway blockages lasting 10 seconds or longer during sleep, resulting in decreased airflow to the lungs and reduced blood oxygen. The brain reacts to this by gently shaking the body and interrupting sleep to wake you up and force you to breathe. But over the course of the night, these interruptions can be constant and prevent you from ever reaching deep sleep. This can lead to other serious conditions over time, diminishing the quality of life of affected adults. In fact, it's a life-threatening condition and has been reported to be a risk factor for depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, reduced vitality, impotence, diabetes, obesity, and workplace and car accidents.
How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?
Non-surgical treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea include behavioral modification (healthy habits, weight loss, sleep hygiene), CPAP, and intraoral mandibular advancement (MAD) devices.
What is the main cause of snoring and when does it become a problem?
Snoring is very common in adults; up to 50% of adults snore. It's due to a partial blockage of the airway, but snoring can be worsened by alcohol consumption, taking medications that relax muscles, or gaining weight. When snoring is infrequent and minor, it's usually nothing to worry about. But if snoring is loud, with frequent and intense bursts throughout the night, it could be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.
How do I know if I have obstructive sleep apnea?
Classic symptoms include loud snoring and multiple awakenings during sleep, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and poor concentration. However, some patients with obstructive sleep apnea may not present these symptoms clinically. It is an underdiagnosed and undertreated disorder that can be life-changing. If you think you or a family member may have obstructive sleep apnea, come see us and we'll give you the necessary advice. If you or a loved one is a chronic snorer, you may want to get checked out—prevention is better than cure!
What does DAM treatment consist of?
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are an effective option for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and even in severe cases in adults who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. These devices, custom-made for each patient, work by keeping the jaw forward, which helps open the airway and reduce snoring. At our dental practice, we specialize in manufacturing MADs, both for patients referred by sleep specialists and for those presenting with symptoms suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our approach includes conducting diagnostic questionnaires to identify possible cases of OSA and referring patients appropriately to specialists. In many cases, these devices prevent the need for oral surgery. Patients who use MADs report significantly improved sleep quality, a reduction in sleep apnea symptoms, and an overall improvement in their quality of life.