What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder that affects millions of people but they hardly know about it. Dentists say that when a patient is suffering from sleep apnea, he/she stops breathing for few seconds while sleeping. Each breathing pause can be defined as apnea. Sleep apnea may cause several other issues and thus treatment at right time is essential. When best sleep apnea treatment is to be obtained, one may consults dentist at Warm Family Dentistry.

How Often Does It Happen?

The apnea may last for about 10 seconds which happens in fixed interval throughout the night when the patient is sleeping. Many patients can experience 5 to 30 apneas in just a single hour of night. This causes abnormal breathing.

Why Does Sleep Apnea Happen?

In the sleep apnea patient, the tongue around the soft tissue rest at the throat area due to muscle relaxation and gravity while sleeping. When this happens, it obstructs the normal airflow in the mouth. This condition may be known as sleep apnea. When it slowly exceed because of aging or excessive alcohol intake, it may cause severe health issues.

What Are The Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder which may cause several issues like snoring, prolonged sleepiness, and multiple nightmares. When sleep apnea is left untreated for a longer period, it may cause severe health issues like

  • Poor memory and forgetful
  • Choking or breath issues during sleep
  • Frequent headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity and diabetes.
  • Coronary artery disease.

What Are My Treatment Options?

CPAP Continuous Positive Airway Pressure – A machine is used to regulate air flow in mouth while sleeping.

COAT – Continuous Open Airway Therapy – Oral device is used to move lower jaw to keep airway open.

How Do I Start My Treatment?

If you feel that you have symptoms of sleep apnea you must consult a physician or a dentist at Warm Family Dentistry as soon as possible. Depending upon the issues and the sleep study, he can suggest required treatment and its tenure.

Root Canal: A Procedure That Can Save Your Tooth

Has the dentist in UT 84123 suggested you a root canal treatment? It’s better to have some information before you proceed ahead.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy in Salt Lake City is the treatment where the dental pulp of the tooth is removed as it is infected, dead, or inflamed. The dental pulp is a soft substance in the centre of the tooth which contains nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissues.

Why Might a Root Canal Become Necessary?

There can be a variety of ways that the pulp in your tooth can get affected such as trauma, a deep cavity, a cracked or fractured tooth, and repeated dental procedures. When these conditions are left untreated, the pulp of the tooth can dies and the infection can spread further to bone supporting the roots. Your risk of losing teeth increases when infection increases.

What’s involved in the Root Canal Procedure?

The root canal is not a part of the regular dental examination and it requires a separate appointment. The procedure may be performed either by the dentist or he may recommend you to the endodontist.

The Root Canal Procedure: Before, During, and After

Before the treatment

  • The dentist may take an X-ray to get a clear view of the tooth and surrounding bone.
  • Numb the area with local anaesthetic
  • Put a sheet of rubber on the tooth for keeping it dry and clean

During the treatment

  • Make an opening on the top of tooth
  • Remove the infected pulp
  • Clean the tooth
  • Fill the root canal with gutta-percha to prevent infection in future.
  • Place a temporary filling on the tooth till a permanent crown is placed

After the treatment

  • You may experience sensitivity in the treated area
  • The dentist may offer antibiotics if there is swelling in the jaw
  • You may visit the dentist for follow up examination

Are Root Canals Covered by Dental Insurance? And How Much Do They Cost?

Most of the dental insurance plans covers root canal procedure as Class II or restorative benefit.