Screening and Managing Airway Disorders
Help your patients see the importance of airway health
At times, we all encounter moments when we realize we weren't seeing ourselves or our health clearly. Take, for example, the patient who learns about their snoring only from a partner's comments. Self-awareness, in this scenario, is often limited to rare instances of waking oneself from loud snoring. Snoring is frequently dismissed as normal due to its prevalence but should not be overlooked as it is often associated with sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing. Identifying signs of airway compromise requires patience and a thoughtful approach. Your patients will thank you for opening their eyes to the contributing factor of airway related oral and health problems they may be struggling with.
Risk factors that suggest the necessity of a sleep screening include:
Wear patterns on the teeth
Linea alba (cheek lines)
Tongue Scalloping
Mouth and jaw size/ position
Observable breathing patterns
Tongue function
Discussions
Discussing these signs with patients and gently guiding them to recognize potential airway issues is crucial. An overnight sleep screening can provide invaluable insights, helping patients understand their sleep quality and the urgency of addressing any concerns. Effective treatment can resolve crowding, manage TMJ stress, reduce pain, tooth grinding and clenching. And when in indicated and in coordination with a sleep physician improve breathing and sleep quality.
Considerations for Treatment Evaluation
Number and health of the teeth
Presence of implants
Gum health or existence of gum disease
Incorporating an oral evaluation and a sleep screening form into regular dental exams can seamlessly introduce this critical assessment. Highlighting observable signs of airway concern initiates the conversation, aiding patients in connecting the dots. While comprehensive understanding may require another visit, planting the initial seeds and scheduling a dedicated consultation can effectively guide patients through their treatment options and benefits pertinent to their symptoms. This approach not only enhances patient care but also empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards better health and well-being.
*Diagnosis requires evaluation by the appropriate medical provider. We coordinate with your medical team and do not replace medical care.
Discover How Arch Development at The Airway Center is Changing Lives
Katie Guidotti
"My sleep and breathing have already improved so I really feel the benefit already which is rewarding."
Anonymous
" We saw a lot of crowding and assumed braces were the only way to go, we had two or three consultations and most of them wanted to pull teeth before braces, my mother bear instinct didn't want that to happen his teeth were healthy there was no reason to pull them out....we didn't need to pull anything! "
Al Borromeo ( Dentist)
" Dentists need to know that there are other options out there as opposed to pulling teeth."
Grateful Patient
" My smile is so much wider and I have more definition in my jaw line that others are noticing, but most importantly my daily headaches are gone because my jaw is relaxed!"
*Individual results vary and are not typical. Patient statements reflect personal experience and are not a promise of outcomes. Orthodontic appliances are used for orthodontic purposes. Sleep and breathing concerns should be evaluated by the appropriate medical provider.
The Airway Center
1840 E. Barnett Rd Suite B
Medford, OR 97504ress:
Phone Number:
(541)955-4519
We're excited to share our expertise and training, empowering patients and providers worldwide to transform lives!
Smile Development with Function in Mind.
All logos and marks are protected per their respective companies. Copyright 2024 Doctor Nathan Tanner, DMD, LLC., AirwayCenter.com. All Rights Reserved.
*Information on this site is general and educational and is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or guarantee of results. Orthodontic appliances described here are used for orthodontic purposes. Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires diagnosis by a qualified provider. Oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea is provided using FDA cleared devices in coordination with the treating physician.
