Interesting Points You Might Not Know About Dentistry
Dentists diagnose and deal with issues related to teeth and mouth. A regular seeing dentist can help you to maintain your teeth healthy, and keep your smile intact. The best dentists in Melbourne provide you with proper treatment ensuring the best stead possible for the rest of your life.
They possess exceptional ability to handle complex dental issues. They are qualified to manage the entire spectrum of your dental needs.
Types of dental treatment provided by a variety of dentists
Dentists also have classification among themselves which separates them from other dentists. Here is a description of the different types of dentists and the services they provide
General Dentists
They conduct regular teeth cleanings and dental exams. They also refer to other dentists in need when they are not qualified for the issue you are suffering from. It is one of the most common types of dentistry.
Orthodontists
They are specialized in teeth and jaw alignment, they also use wires, retainers, and other devices.
Endodontists
They deal with the nerve tissues of a tooth. They perform a root canal in case of decay around the tooth’s nerve.
Prosthodontists
They are qualified to repair teeth and jawbones. They can improve the appearance of teeth by performing various treatments such as teeth whitening and veneers. They also attach bridges and crowns.
Pedodontists or Paediatric Dentists
They are specialized in dental care and oral treatment for children.
Oral Pathologists and Oral surgeons
They are specialized in oral treatments of diseases related to teeth and jaw. They are qualified to perform surgery and work closely with the nose, ear, and throat specialists (ENTs) sometimes in need.
There are some holistic dentists as well.
How do you know what type of dentistry you need?
A general dentist or physician would recommend you to other dentists depending on the type of issue you are suffering from for which they are not qualified. It is advisable to get your teeth checked by a dentist at least once a year to promote oral health. As it will also allow you some time before any potential problems if there are any before it becomes significant.
What is Sleep Apnea?
It is a kind of chronic disease that interrupts breathing at different times throughout their sleep cycles. Sleep Apnea is of two kinds mainly- obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea- In this kind of sleep apnea the airway’s tissue collapses while the breathing is interrupted during sleep. Because of this collapse, the oxygen is unable to pass through the airway and reach the lungs.
- Central Sleep Apnea- In this kind of sleep apnea the body doesn’t receive any signal from the brain related to breathing, hence no physical interruption in breathing takes place but the body responds as if the interruption has taken place.
Both of these sleep apneas cause disruptions in sleep patterns. If left untreated sleep apnea can lead to feeling lethargic and tired during the whole duration of the day.
How does Sleep Apnea affect our health?
Sleep Apnea itself increases the risk of other chronic health complaints which can further impact your physical and mental health.
Canadian Community health survey showed that Canadian adults who are suffering from sleep apnea are more prone to have high blood pressure.
They are more likely to suffer from heart diseases and mood disorders which include bipolar disorder, depression, and mania. In addition, they are prone to the risk of developing heart diseases.
Global studies showed that patients suffering from sleep apnea are likely to suffer from strokes and obesity. They possess an increased risk of injuries too.
How your dentist can help with treating sleep apnea?
Dentists are eligible to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea. They may recommend wearing oral appliances which would help to ease the symptoms in patients who bear normal weight and possess mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Dental sleep devices are available in the form of mandibular advancement devices which is the most commonly used oral appliances. Over time, the oral appliance makes the airway stronger and they can reduce or eliminate sleep apneas.
The patient’s teeth are thoroughly assessed to check whether the patient is eligible to use the dental sleep devices. Once the patient has proven eligible then dentists create models customized to the patient’s teeth which are further followed by specialists to craft appliances that would accurately fit the patient’s mouth.
Proper fit is of immense importance as an improperly fitted device can cause jaw damage. patients are advised to wear them during sleep to reduce sleep apnea.
Tongue-retaining devices are considered appropriate for a wide range of patients. The oral appliance holds the patient’s tongue in a forward direction steadily. This device helps to keep the airway open.
Dentists attempt to follow up with patients regularly to make sure appliances are working and reducing the symptoms.
Devices can be a bit uncomfortable in the first few initial days but can be adjusted within a few days. Regular follow-up with the dentist would cure the symptoms at a faster rate.
How do you know if you have Sleep Apnea?
The first sign of sleep apnea is tooth grinding. When you sleep at night you involuntarily tense your jaw and grind your teeth, then your brain sends a signal to your body to wake up to breathe. That’s when you know that you might have sleep apnea. Gasping for breathing leads you to wake up repeatedly.
Other than this chronic snoring is one of the most common symptoms. Other symptoms include sore throat, waking up with dry mouth, and morning headaches.
Conclusion
Dentists have proven very helpful in treating our oral health issues. Oral appliances recommended by dentists treat sleep apnea evidently with time. They are comparatively cheaper whereas adjustable models cost more but are more affordable than the continuous positive airway pressure machines.
Oral appliances are custom-made for patients so they have few side effects than expected still some patients struggle to get used to them, and they reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea to a large extent. Their effectiveness is the largest advantage that patients experience.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea visit your nearest dentist for the earliest treatment.
