records process Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

How Mandibular Advancement Appliances Can Improve Oral Health

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you’re diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your doctor may first prescribe CPAP therapy — you know, the face or nose mask attached to a machine that you have to wear at night. However, while CPAP therapy is extremely effective, many people can’t tolerate sleeping with it on every single night.

That’s why oral sleep appliances -– also known as mandibular advancement appliances — are also used to treat sleep apnea. In fact, they have an 80% compliance rate over the CPAP’s 40%.

We fit mandibular advancement appliances at Eggert Family Dentistry and have been able to help many people with OSA improve their sleep, oral health, and overall quality of life.

What is a Mandibular Advancement Appliance?

A mandibular advancement appliance (MAA) is a device that can be custom-fitted to a person’s mouth, and works by temporarily moving the jaw and tongue forward. This adjustment reduces throat constriction and opens up the airways, effectively preventing snoring and sleep apnea.

Benefits of Using a Mandibular Advancement Appliance

You probably already know that sleep apnea causes a myriad of health issues, most notably cardiovascular problems. But did you know that your sleep apnea also wreaks havoc on your dental health? People with sleep apnea also are more likely to experience TMD, bruxism, and dry mouth. Luckily MAAs can reduce and relieve each of these symptoms.

1. Relief from Tooth Grinding and Clenching

Many people who suffer from sleep-disordered breathing also grind their teeth or clench their jaw during sleep. This can lead to a host of dental problems, including tooth sensitivity, worn-down enamel, and even tooth fractures. MAAs can help alleviate these issues by positioning the lower jaw in a more forward position, which reduces the likelihood of grinding or clenching. The thought is that since the body can breathe better, the jaw doesn’t have to move around, trying to find the best position for air exchange.

2. Reducing Dry Mouth

People with OSA often sleep with their mouth open in an attempt to get more oxygen, which leads to dry mouth. Because saliva plays an important role in reducing the amount of plaque on your teeth, dry mouth can cause or accelerate tooth decay. Using an MAA will open up the airway and improve breathing, which will reduce the need to breathe through the mouth during sleep. This will reduce all dry mouth symptoms and keep tooth decay under better control by maintaining the proper amount of saliva in your mouth.

3. Reducing the Risk of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common oral health problem that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. People with sleep-disordered breathing are at an increased risk of developing gum disease, as the reduced oxygen flow to the gums can make them more susceptible to infection. By improving breathing and oxygen flow, MAAs can help reduce the risk of gum disease and promote overall oral health.

4. Improving Overall Sleep Quality and Quality of Life

Finally, the most important benefit of using an MAA is improved sleep quality, which can have a positive impact on your quality of life in general. Poor sleep quality has been linked to a range of health problems, and by improving breathing and reducing sleep disturbances, MAAs can help promote your overall health and wellbeing.

Want Better Sleep, Healthier Teeth, and a Higher Quality of Life?

If you have sleep apnea and would like to be fitted for a mandibular advancement appliance, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can help! After hearing from your medical doctor and doing an assessment of your bite, we can custom-design your device by taking impressions or digital scans of your mouth. Once the device is ready, we’ll ask you to come into our office for a fitting so we can make sure it’s comfortable and effective. Contact us or call us at 651-482-8412 today to schedule your mandibular advancement device consultation!

Sleep Apnea Treatments: Mandibular Advancement Appliances vs. Traditional CPAP Therapy

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that affects 18 million people around the world. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to snoring, daytime sleepiness, and other health problems.

There are several treatment options available for sleep apnea, but two of the most popular are Mandibular Advancement Appliances (MAAs) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. While both of these treatments can be effective, they work in different ways and have different benefits.

Let’s explore the differences between MAAs and CPAP therapy and help you determine which treatment option may be best for your individual needs.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

First, let’s take a look at all of the treatment options that patients are given when first diagnosed with OSA:

Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on your side may be recommended to improve sleep apnea symptoms.
Oral appliance therapy: This involves wearing a mouthguard-like device (like an MAA) that helps to reposition the tongue and jaw to keep the airway open during sleep.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy: CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask at night that is attached to a machine. This machine delivers air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue in the throat or to reposition the jaw.

You and your doctor will be able to review your unique situation to determine which of these solutions is right for you.

While lifestyle changes can treat more mild cases of sleep apnea, they won’t be able to completely relieve symptoms of more severe cases. On the opposite end of the spectrum is surgery: this sleep apnea treatment is usually saved for the most severe cases of OSA.

The middle ground, then, is where Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy and Mandibular Advancement Appliances (MAAs) lie. These are the most popular treatment options among people with sleep apnea. While both treatments can be effective treatment options, they work in different ways and have different benefits.

Benefits of CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is:

Highly effective: CPAP therapy is considered the most effective non-surgical treatment option for sleep apnea.
Produces immediate results: CPAP therapy can provide immediate relief from symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring and daytime sleepiness.
Can be used for any level of sleep apnea: CPAP therapy can be used to treat all levels of sleep apnea, from mild to severe.
Helps improve overall health: CPAP therapy can help improve blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and improve overall quality of life.

However, because of the cumbersome nature of the CPAP machine, many people have a difficult time sticking to it over an extended period of time. It’s also difficult to travel with so many people don’t use their CPAP machine during vacations or trips.

Benefits of Mandibular Advancement Appliances

While CPAP therapy is extremely effective, many people can’t tolerate sleeping with the discomfort of the face or nose mask night after night. That’s where Mandibular Advancement Appliances (MAAs) come in: MAAs have an 80% compliance rate over the CPAP’s 40% compliance rate.

In addition to being easier to stick to as a treatment modality, Mandibular Advancement Appliances are:

Comfortable: MAAs are often more comfortable to wear than CPAP masks, as they are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth.
Portable: MAAs are small and easy to travel with, making them a convenient treatment option.
Non-invasive: MAAs do not require surgery and can be easily adjusted by Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert.
Effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea: MAAs are often recommended for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy.

Ultimately, the best treatment option for sleep apnea will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Your doctor can help determine the most appropriate treatment option based on the severity of your condition, medical history, and other factors.

Think You Could Benefit from a Mandibular Advancement Appliance?

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we custom-fit mandibular advancement devices for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea or other Sleep Related Breathing Disorders. Call us today at 651-482-8412 to schedule a consultation during which Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can discuss this treatment option with you and answer any questions you may have. Once we’ve decided an MAA is right for you, we can custom-design your device and then calibrate the finished product to make sure it’s comfortable and effective. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!

Treating Sleep-Disordered Breathing: 4 Benefits of the Seattle Protocol

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Some patients who come to us with chronic dental problems also present airway patency issues. Simply put, airway patency is the ability of a person to breathe, with airflow passing to and from the respiratory system through the oral and nasal passages.

When a person experiences difficulty breathing, especially at night, this can 1) negatively affect one’s oral health, and 2) continue to damage the teeth even after restorative dental procedures have been completed.

So, what does that mean for patients of Eggert Family Dentistry? It means that before beginning any restorative dental treatment, we need to identify and address these airway patency issues using a process called the Seattle Protocol.

The Seattle Protocol

The Seattle Protocol is a six-step process that helps patients with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing and other conditions determine whether a compromised airway is contributing to their ailments.

Each of the six steps builds upon the last to open the airway as much as possible, but patients don’t necessarily need to complete the entire process to identify the solution. The purpose of the protocol is to determine which step provides the patient the most relief of symptoms.

Here is a brief description of the six steps of the Seattle Protocol:

Nose Breathing and Mouth Taping: During this stage, you will gently train your body to breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
Temporary Splint for Lower Jaw and Mouth Taping: Once you’ve adjusted to the mouth taping, the second step of the protocol adds a temporary splint for your lower jaw while you sleep.
Temporary Splint for Lower Jaw with Lower Jaw Pulled Forward and Mouth Taping: If adding the lower splint only isn’t giving you the restful sleep you deserve, we add an element that pulls your lower jaw forward.
Temporary Splint for Lower and Upper Jaw with Mouth Taping: If you aren’t getting relief from the previous step, we remove the forward jaw posturing component and add a splint for your upper jaw.
Temporary Splint for Lower and Upper Jaw with Lower Jaw Pulled Forward and Mouth Taping: If you need to continue in the protocol, step five again adds a horizontal component by linking the upper and lower splints together and moving the lower jaw forward.
Temporary Splint for Lower and Upper Jaw with Lower Jaw Progressively Pulled Forward and Mouth Taping: If you still aren’t getting that good night’s sleep, we move to the final stage of the Seattle Protocol. In this stage, we keep moving your lower jaw forward, incrementally, until you feel well-rested.

As we said before, the goal of the Seattle Protocol is to open the airways as much as possible so that your breathing is no longer restricted. You can find a full description of each of the six steps here.

The Benefits of the Seattle Protocol

The main benefit of the Seattle Protocol is to determine a good position to help control your sleep-disordered breathing. However, the Seattle Protocol also comes with a host of other positive benefits for our patients.

Improved safety: The Seattle Protocol prioritizes patient safety by allowing us to take a systematic and collaborative approach to airway management. By following a standardized protocol, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can identify and address airway issues quickly and effectively, minimizing the risk of complications during dental procedures. It is also completely reversible so there are no long-term ill-effects.

Increased comfort: The Seattle Protocol takes a gradual and gentle approach to airway management to maximize patient comfort by introducing interventions slowly and adjusting them as needed. More importantly, when the Seattle Protocol is successful, our patients can finally enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep!

Better outcomes: By identifying and addressing airway issues before beginning any dental restorations, the Seattle Protocol ensures that our patients can maintain their new smiles for as long as possible, without any complications. This will not only help our patients recover more quickly but also ensure that they get the most out of their financial investment.

Personalized care: The Seattle Protocol is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the individual needs of each patient. By tailoring interventions to each patient’s unique situation, we can provide the solution that’s right for you.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, the Seattle Protocol assists us in treating our patients with airway patency issues or sleep-disordered breathing. The systematic steps allow us to both address the problem and identify the solution so our patients can receive the best possible care during dental procedures, and achieve the best possible outcomes afterward!

Real Results: Tom’s Story

One of our patients, Tom, came to us with excessive wear, erosion, and many fractured teeth. Tom needed to reconstruct his mouth and we did that in phases, however, during the process we ran into a few complications:

The force of Tom’s bite was so strong that he broke many temporary crowns. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert wanted to get down to the bottom of why Tom’s body would do this because even new crowns wouldn’t survive in such a harsh environment.

Given Tom’s other symptoms, including difficulty breathing through his nose, dry mouth, and the use of a CPAP machine, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert recommended Tom complete the Seattle Protocol to help address his airway patency.

After completing five of the six steps of the Seattle Protocol, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert fabricated a sleep appliance for Tom to continue to improve his airway patency, reduce his bruxism and help him sleep better. After just a month of using his sleep appliance, Tom experienced less clenching, jaw pain, and an overall improvement in his sleep!

Think You Could Benefit from the Seattle Protocol?

If you, too, are experiencing airway patency issues or sleep-disordered breathing, call our office today to schedule a consultation. At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will be able to collaborate with you on finding a solution to your unique situation. If you think you could benefit from the Seattle Protocol, contact us or call us at 651-482-8412 for a consultation today!

Treatment Options for a Full Mouth Reconstruction

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you’re experiencing constant dental pain, have frequent dental visits to address problems, or simply have multiple cracked, broken, missing, or badly worn teeth, it might be time to consider a full mouth reconstruction.

A full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive dental treatment that involves restoring or replacing all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth. This process usually includes a combination of restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic or surgical procedures. Many of our patients here at Eggert Family Dentistry report feeling transformed when the treatment process is finished! This process, while it can be long and involved, provides our patients with an attractive smile and a healthy mouth, free of pain or discomfort!

Who Needs a Full Mouth Reconstruction?

A full mouth reconstruction may be needed for a variety of reasons, including:

Severe tooth decay
Significant occlusal (bite) issues
Advanced gum disease
Trauma to the teeth and jaw
Congenital defects that affect the structure and function of the teeth and jaw
Long-term chronic illness
Oral cancer or cancer treatment

Because the reasons for full mouth reconstruction vary so widely, so too do the treatment options. A combination of treatments is usually required for a holistic and comprehensive treatment plan that suits each patient’s unique needs.

Treatment Options for Full Mouth Reconstruction

We offer a variety of effective treatment options for a full mouth reconstruction, including orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, dental implant coordination with our preferred oral surgeons, prosthetic implant options, and dental restorations like crowns or veneers. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will work closely with you to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

Orthodontic Treatment: Your occlusion, or how your teeth contact, must be addressed before we perform additional restorative procedures. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, can be used to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatments will improve your bite and the symmetry of your smile.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. They consist of titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone and provide a stable foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge, or even denture. Dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth and can improve the appearance, function, and overall health of the mouth.

Dental Restorations: Dental restorations like Dental crowns or veneers are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. They are custom-made to fit over the affected tooth and are designed to look and function like a natural tooth. Crowns and veneers can improve the strength and durability of a tooth and can also improve the appearance of a patient’s smile.

What to Expect From Eggert Family Dentistry

Here’s what you can expect when receiving a full mouth reconstruction at Eggert Family Dentistry.

Evaluation: You will come in for a consultation with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert, during which we’ll conduct a detailed evaluation of your muscles, jaws, and teeth. This is also where we’ll talk about any health considerations you have, as well as your esthetic goals.
Determining a treatment plan: Based on all of the above considerations, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert will work with you to determine a treatment plan that best suits your needs. We’ll answer any questions you may have so that you receive the perfect personalized solution.
Treatment: This treatment is a long-term project involving multiple visits, but we will be happy to walk you through every aspect of your treatment plan, so you have a clear idea of the timeline. We will also help you work with our preferred dental specialists if needed like an oral surgeon or orthodontist. Depending on which treatments you need, the full mouth reconstruction process can take anywhere from 6 months to two years.

Let’s Give You the Smile You’ve Been Dreaming Of

Eggert Family Dentistry is a highly respected dental practice that offers comprehensive full mouth reconstruction services. Dr. Jeff Eggert and Elizabeth Eggert and their team use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to help their patients achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. If you are in need of a full mouth reconstruction, Eggert Family Dentistry is here for you. Contact us today or give us a call at 651.482.8412 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthy, confident smile!

Full Mouth Reconstruction: The Importance of Treatment Planning

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Whether you’re dealing with extensive tooth loss from injury or aging or severe tooth decay, if you have an array of dental issues that have been causing you problems, you may be a candidate for a full mouth reconstruction.

As with all complex processes, it’s imperative to plan your course of action ahead of time if you want the best outcome. For a full mouth reconstruction, Eggert Family Dentistry provides quality treatment planning which involves careful assessments, diagnosis, and treatment.

Let’s take a look at the importance of treatment planning for a full mouth reconstruction:

1. Getting an Accurate Diagnosis and Assessment

Treatment planning for a full mouth reconstruction starts with a comprehensive dental examination as part of our Records Process. The Records Process includes gathering x-rays, photographs, and impressions of the teeth and gums. The examination will allow Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert to take note of any bite issues, jaw problems, or esthetic concerns. With this information, we can then make an accurate diagnosis that will help us develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

2. Creating a Customized Treatment Plan That Meets Your Unique Needs

Because every patient’s dental needs and goals are unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to a treatment plan for a full mouth reconstruction. A customized treatment plan will be developed based on your dental assessments and preferences.

At this stage, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will provide a detailed explanation of why we recommend a certain course of treatment and what it involves. This plan will outline the recommended procedures and expected timeline for completion. We will review the entire treatment plan with you, including follow-up visits, and provide you with instructions to support your treatment plan at home. During this stage, we may also create a dental mock-up, or a 3-D model of your smile that will show you the expected outcome of your treatment.

3. Taking A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment

A full mouth reconstruction typically involves multiple dental procedures, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers. Oftentimes, ways to improve the bite, like splint therapy or orthodontics may also be indicated. Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will work to improve the overall look of your smile. The entire treatment will likely take multiple office visits.

4. Minimizing Treatment Time and Cost

Treatment planning for a full mouth reconstruction is essential for minimizing treatment time and cost. By carefully outlining the procedures and optimizing their outcomes, we can reduce the number of visits needed and the duration of the treatment. Additionally, a detailed treatment plan will help you understand the cost of each procedure and plan accordingly, avoiding unexpected expenses.

5. Creating a Better Patient Experience

Treatment planning for a full mouth reconstruction is critical for ensuring a better patient experience. A comprehensive approach that addresses prior dental issues and meets all your goals will help minimize pain, discomfort, and anxiety during the treatment. Additionally, a detailed treatment plan will help you understand the process, prepare for the procedures, and have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Let the Experts at Eggert Family Dentistry Plan Your Treatment

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we understand that quality treatment planning is crucial for a successful full mouth reconstruction. If you’re considering a full mouth reconstruction, it’s essential to work with a qualified and experienced dentist who can develop a detailed treatment plan and guide you through the process. If you’re interested in talking to Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert about a full mouth reconstruction, contact us today or give us a call at 651.482.8412. We look forward to creating a plan to achieve your healthiest, most beautiful smile!

How Eggert Family Dentistry Uses “The Records Process” and Mock-Up Procedures to Create New Smiles

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Our smile is often the first thing that people notice about us, and it plays a significant role in our self-esteem and overall well-being. People who experience frequent dental problems, however, can feel robbed of that sense of contentment and confidence. Fortunately, advances in modern dentistry have made it possible to transform even the most challenging smiles into works of art.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves to feel proud of their smile, which is why we use a combination of the records process and mock-up procedures to create new, beautiful smiles for our patients.

While the records process provides the foundation for developing a comprehensive treatment plan, dental mock-ups provide a visual “preview” of the proposed treatment outcome. Let’s explore how these techniques work and find out if they can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

What is The Records Process?

The records process is a crucial step in the diagnostic and treatment planning process. It involves gathering and organizing all the necessary information about your dental and medical history, current oral health status, and treatment goals to create a comprehensive care plan.

The records process typically includes the following steps:

Comprehensive dental exam: For this exam, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. This may include taking dental x-rays, photographs, and impressions or scans of your teeth and bite.
Medical and dental history: We will then review your medical and dental history, including any medications or supplements you are taking, past dental treatments, any relevant medical conditions, or pain issues.
Diagnostic tests: We may order additional tests or procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning process. This may include periodontal (gum) assessments, oral cancer screenings, and sleep questionnaires.
Occlusal (Bite) Analysis: We will ask you to move your jaw through different motions as well as palpate your TMJ and muscles to check for consistencies with your bite.
Treatment plan: Based on the information gathered during the records process, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. This plan may include splint, restorative, cosmetic, or orthodontic procedures, as well as recommendations for sleep or medical follow-up, at-home oral hygiene, or preventive care.

Patient Stories:

The records process is essential for ensuring accurate diagnoses, effective treatment planning, and successful outcomes. It also provides a baseline for monitoring our patients’ progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed.

For example, our patient “M” had recently undergone corrective jaw surgery, but was still experiencing issues with his bite. To make sure we got a holistic picture of M’s oral issues post-op, we put him through the records process and were able to determine that he needed to have his front teeth lengthened slightly to correct his occlusal imbalance. (Read M’s full story here.)

The records process also helps us to determine external factors that may be contributing to our patients’ dental problems. For example, our patient Tom needed a full mouth reconstruction, but we were concerned that his bruxism would damage his new implants if we didn’t correct the underlying cause of it. Because the records process provided comprehensive knowledge of Tom’s other symptoms, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert was able to recommend further treatment that allowed Tom to sleep better and breathe easier at night. (Read Tom’s full story here.)

What is a Dental Mock-Up?

If the records process is the “blueprint” for your treatment plan, then the dental mock-up is the architectural model.

A dental mock-up is a procedure used to create a three-dimensional replica of your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. It involves creating a temporary model of the desired outcome of a dental procedure, such as a full mouth reconstruction, to allow you and Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert to preview the results before moving forward with the treatment.

During the mock-up process, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will use dental material, such as wax or composite resin, to build up or reshape your teeth. This will allow you to see how your new smile will look and make any necessary adjustments.

Dental mock-ups are most commonly used for cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers or an arch of new dental crowns. They are a valuable tool for both our office and our patients, as they allow for better communication and collaboration in the treatment planning process.

Are You Experiencing Constant Dental Problems?

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we take a holistic approach to oral health and want to make sure our patients not only have a beautiful smile, but a comfortable one too. If you’re experiencing a constellation of oral health problems and are interested in learning more about these unique smile-transformation techniques, please contact us or call us at 651.482.8412 to schedule an appointment!

Confused by the Process? Learn How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Do you deal with snoring, gasping for air in your sleep, a dry mouth, headache in the morning or daytime fatigue? Sleep apnea could be the culprit. It’s important to begin by making an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff as well as with your primary care physician. Sleep apnea can be life-threatening and should always be carefully investigated.

The first time we see you for sleep apnea symptoms, we will perform an assessment for signs of structural abnormalities or any physical issues that could be contributing to airway obstruction. This could include an enlarged tongue or tonsils, a small jaw or a large neck.

If your primary care doctor is concerned that sleep apnea is an issue for you, they will refer you to a sleep specialist. A board-certified sleep specialist will evaluate you by performing an overnight sleep study. This will give them more insight into the severity of the situation and help them determine the best course of treatment.

There are two different types of sleep studies your sleep specialist may recommend: a polysomnogram test or a home sleep apnea test.

Polysomnogram test:

A polysomnogram test is a sleep study, performed in a sleep lab, that helps diagnose sleep-related conditions.

During your night at the sleep lab, you will be hooked up to equipment that will monitor your heart, lungs and breathing patterns, brain, general movement and oxygen levels while you sleep. In some cases, your sleep specialist will let you sleep all night long. If your physician detects signs of sleep apnea, they will more than likely wake you up in the night and hook you up to continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. A CPAP machine has a mask that covers the nose and/or mouth, that is connected to a tube and the base of the machine and that delivers continuous air pressure all night long, allowing the airway to remain open.

When your sleep specialist tests the CPAP machine on you, they will watch how it improves your airway obstruction and will calibrate it for your specific needs.

Home sleep apnea test:

In some cases, your sleep specialist will give you an at-home sleep apnea test kit that monitors and tests breathing patterns and sleep disturbances. This can be a good solution for individuals who find the polysomnogram test cost-prohibitive or difficult to coordinate. However, if sleep apnea is suspected from the results of your home test, your doctor may still recommend a visit to the sleep lab for further testing.

After you receive your results from your sleep specialist, if they indicate the presence of sleep apnea, we recommend you contact our office to set up another appointment. At this appointment, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will walk you through our records process.

During this comprehensive analysis, they will determine if a sleep apnea appliance would help alleviate your symptoms of sleep apnea. If they decide it would be helpful, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will confer with your general practitioner, sleep physician and lab to design a sleep apnea appliance, custom fit for you, that supports your jaw in the position that best improves your airway, often a forward position.

We may also recommend that you adjust your sleeping positioning or we may refer you to an orthodontist for another consultation if we believe that braces or other orthodontic treatment could help better keep your airway open.

If you’re experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, reach out to us at 651.482.8412 to make an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff. They will perform a thorough assessment and collaborate with your other physician(s) to find the best treatment plan for you.