Dental implants help in stabilizing the airway and breathing during sleep by treating primary issues causing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and ensuring a good flow of air. OSA is usually connected with structural features, for instance, how the jaw and soft parts in throat are placed. If these units fall or get blocked while sleeping it results in disturbances of breath and less intake of oxygen. Some patients may not enjoy utilizing CPAP machines, which deliver air under pressure to keep the airway open. These devices are uncomfortable or difficult to use. This is where dental implants provide a special benefit.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Now, without wasting time, we shall examine the connection between dental implants and sleep apnea. But beforehand, let’s talk about the types of sleep apnea and how it can affect your health in general.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
This is the usual form of sleep apnea, which happens when muscles inside throat relax too much. This relaxation leads to a blockage in the air path partially or fully.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
In CSA, there is a problem with the brain not being able to send signals to muscles that do breathing, causing gaps in breath when asleep.
Complex/Mixed Sleep Apnea
Some individuals may experience a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and problems with thinking because of disturbed sleeping patterns.
The Role of Dental Implants in Sleep Apnea Management
Now, let’s explore how dental implants can potentially help manage sleep apnea by improving airway stability and breathing during sleep.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
Dental implants are an essential part of sleep apnea management often used with mandibular advancement devices (MADs). MADs, also called oral appliances, are made specifically for fitting in a patient’s mouth. They function by slightly moving the lower jaw forward during sleep. This motion aids in maintaining an open airway and stopping the soft tissue from collapsing that causes obstructive sleep apnea.
Implant-Supported Prostheses
In situations when lots of teeth are lost or dental problems cause airway blockage while a person is sleeping, dental prostheses supported by implants may help to enhance oral health and therefore sleep. By fixing the missing teeth using dental implants, it is possible for patients to get stronger alignment in their jaws which can result in better airflow during sleep and fewer chances of having episodes related to apnea during rest time.
Enhancing Oral Structure
Dental implants are useful for total oral structure and stability, a key factor in proper airway function. Healthy teeth and aligned jaw can assist good breathing patterns while asleep which lessens the chance of obstructed airways causing sleep apnea.
The Impact on Airway Stability and Breathing
When dental implants are applied in the treatment of sleep apnea, they might cause noticeable changes in airway steadiness and breathing ways.
Airway Patency
Dental implants assist in maintaining a steady flow of air during sleep by stopping the breakdown of soft tissues within the throat and keeping the jawbones aligned correctly. This lessens how often breathing stops that is usual for those with sleep apnea.
Improved Breathing Efficiency
Patients who utilize mandibular advancement devices or implant-supported prostheses generally encounter enhanced breathing efficiency during their sleep. Consequently, they experience more refreshing sleep and a decrease in daytime indications linked to sleep apnea like tiredness and cognitive decline.
Enhanced Oxygenation
Dental implants help in continuous breathing, leading to improved oxygen supply for the entire body. This is good for heart health and general wellness.
Considerations and Benefits of Dental Implants in Sleep Apnea Management
Even though dental implants offer hope in dealing with sleep apnea, we should think about few things and benefits:
Customization and Comfort
Dental implants and MADs are made specifically for every person, guaranteeing they fit well and work best in keeping the airway open while sleeping.
Non-Invasive Alternative
When we compare it with CPAP machines, which are sometimes heavy and uncomfortable to handle for certain people, dental implants provide a less intrusive option for controlling sleep apnea.
Improved Oral Health
Furthermore, dental implants not only help with sleep apnea but also improve oral health by filling up gaps caused from missing teeth, improving chewing ability and supporting the structure of mouth.
Long-Term Solution
If you take good care of them, dental implants could be a lasting way to handle sleep apnea. They may give ongoing benefits for your sleep and health.
Dental implants are an interesting option to deal with sleep apnea because they focus on stability of the airway and encourage good breathing habits during sleep. Starting from mandibular advancement equipment to prostheses supported by implants, these advancements provide customized answers suited for every patient’s requirement. As studies and technology progress further in dental sleep medicine area, dental implants have the potential to greatly improve quality of sleep and overall health for people with sleep apnea.
In case you need assistance with anything or wish to discuss dental implant choices for managing sleep apnea, please contact us. We will provide tailored advice and help to make sure that you achieve better sleep and a healthier mouth through the correct use of dental implants as part of your sleep apnea care plan.
Contact at Institute For Advanced Dentistry Implants to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jonathan Bensoussan.