Sleep apnea is a serious condition marked by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. It can lead to fatigue, memory problems, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. While CPAP machines and oral appliance therapy are the most well-known treatment options, dental implants may also play a supportive role, especially for patients missing teeth who struggle with oral appliance use.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea and occurs when the airway becomes blocked due to relaxed throat muscles during sleep. This often results in loud snoring, choking sounds, and poor sleep quality. OSA is typically diagnosed through a sleep study and treated using CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or surgical procedures, depending on the severity.
How Can Dental Implants Support Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dental implants are not a primary treatment for sleep apnea, but they can play an important supportive role in the following ways:
1. Support for Oral Appliances
Custom-made oral appliances are frequently used to manage mild to moderate OSA by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. However, these devices typically rely on a full set of healthy teeth for stability. When a patient is missing multiple teeth, the appliance may not fit properly or stay in place during sleep.
Dental implants can be used to anchor or stabilize oral appliances, allowing patients who previously could not benefit from this treatment to successfully manage their condition.
2. Improved Jaw Structure and Bite
Tooth loss can cause the bite to collapse and the jaw to shift over time, which may contribute to a narrowing of the airway. This is especially common in long-term denture wearers or individuals with multiple missing teeth. By restoring missing teeth with dental implants, patients can experience improved jaw alignment and oral function. In some cases, this correction helps reduce soft tissue obstruction in the airway, contributing to better breathing during sleep.
3. Full-Arch Implant Solutions
Patients who wear removable dentures—especially upper dentures—may face an unexpected problem: during sleep, these dentures can shift or collapse into the airway space, making OSA symptoms worse. A more stable, long-term solution is to replace these with implant-supported dentures or fixed bridges, which remain secure during sleep and help prevent soft tissue from collapsing into the airway.
This structural support can offer additional benefits when used in combination with CPAP or oral appliance therapy.
What Are the Standard Treatments for Sleep Apnea?
While dental implants can enhance the effectiveness of oral appliance therapy and improve airway anatomy, they are not a primary treatment for sleep apnea. Standard treatment options include:
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines, which deliver a constant stream of air to keep the airway open
- Oral appliance therapy, typically prescribed for mild to moderate OSA
- Surgical procedures, such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA), or Inspire therapy (a surgically implanted nerve stimulator)
A sleep medicine specialist typically determines the best treatment plan based on a patient’s sleep study results, anatomy, and tolerance for various therapies.
Should You Consider Dental Implants as Part of Your Sleep Apnea Care?
If you have missing teeth and are struggling with oral appliance therapy, or you’re unable to use a CPAP machine, dental implants might offer critical support for a more comfortable and effective treatment approach. Implants can restore proper jaw function, prevent denture instability during sleep, and make oral appliances more viable for long-term use. A collaborative approach that includes a sleep physician, dentist, and oral surgeon is key to determining whether dental implants could enhance your sleep apnea treatment plan.
Explore Dental Implant Solutions with Our South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
At Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we help patients explore innovative ways to support their sleep apnea treatment, including implant-based solutions that improve comfort, stability, and airway function. If you’re missing teeth and struggling with CPAP or oral appliances, our South Jersey oral surgeons may be able to help. Call 856-582-4222 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, we serve patients throughout South Jersey.