Surgery as treatment for Sleep Apnea

Surgery may increase the size of the airway and reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. The surgeon may remove the tonsils, adenoids, or excess tissues at the back of the throat or inside the nose. The surgeon may reconstruct the jaw to enlarge the upper airway. 

However, surgeons face challenges of determining what site and/ sites of the upper airway is/are causing the obstruction to airflow.  There may be multiple sites of obstruction and the conventional sleep testing does not identify the sites the surgeon should modify.

Finding a Dentist:   

Dr. Anna Lee is a dentist trained in sleep apnea who can assist you with treatment.    Dr. Anna Lee conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance.  Following the examination, you will have models of your teeth made and a follow-up appointment is scheduled to fit your custom oral appliance. Please visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com.

Dental Fillings (Amalgam or Composite)

Depending on the size and location of the break or chip of the tooth, the dentist decides the type of fillings for restoration. Dr. Anna Lee can provide you with more information on options for dental fillings, schedule your consultation today. 

If it is a front tooth with a small chip, the dentist is likely to use composite (tooth-colored filling) to restore the chip.  A posterior molar (back) tooth with a large chip may be restored with composite or a crown restoration.  In some cases a broken posterior teeth can be restored with amalgam fillings.

During your visit if you are concerned about which type of material will be used, let Dr. Lee and her team know.

Treatment Options for Broken or Chipped Teeth

An accident consisting of a fall on the mouth, a hit to the face, or a bite into a hard candy; all these events may break, fracture or chip a tooth or several teeth.  Treatment for a broken or chipped tooth depends on how severely it is damaged. If only a small piece of enamel broke off, the treatment may be done in one office visit. A badly broken tooth may require several dental visits.

Here are some treatment options for broken or chipped tooth.

1.     Dental fillings (amalgam or bonding)

2.     Crowns

3.     Inlays and Onlays

4.     Veneers

For more information on treatment options contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team today.

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are just that, removable. This means  they are not as stable or comfortable as implants and/or fixed bridges.  They can be easily removed out of the mouth for cleaning and adjustments.  Removable partial dentures have denture teeth fixed to a plastic base and teeth that match the shade/color of the natural teeth. Partial dentures have clasps that attach to the natural teeth that provide additional retention.

Advantages:

·       Affordable, cost less than implants, fixed bridges

·       Restore chewing function

·       Easy to clean, adjust and repair

Disadvantage:

·       Can be less stable

·       Can be lost or misplaced

·       Some patients are embarrassed to remove partial dentures

·       May need more frequent repair due to crack/chip teeth and loose fit

If you have any questions about treatment option of treating missing tooth/teeth, please call Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 for a complimentary examination. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com

Fixed Bridges

Another treatment option for missing tooth/teeth is a fixed bridge. The restoration is involved with the space (missing tooth) and the adjacent teeth.  A fixed bridge has a minimum of 3 units or ‘teeth’.

Placing a bridge usually takes 2 dental visits. The first visit involves the dentist preparing the adjacent teeth on either side of the space (missing tooth). The second visit involves cementing the fixed bridge into place (over the prepared teeth).

Advantages:

·       Look, feel and function like natural teeth

·       Esthetic, comfortable

·       Do not require removal for cleaning

·       Cost less than implants

Disadvantages:

·       Grind away healthy, adjacent teeth to prepare the fixed bridge

·       Require extra effort to clean under the pontic (replacement for the missing tooth)

·       Margin leakages or recurrent decay at crown margins

For more information on bridges, contact Dr. Lee and her team today!

Implants

Patients choose implants to replace a single tooth or several teeth. Patients who are edentulous (no teeth) may also choose to have implant supported dentures. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.  They are made of titanium, a strong and lightweight metal.

Implants are not an option for everyone because surgery is required to place them in the jawbone.  Patients should be in good health and have adequate bone to support the implant in the jaws. Also, patients need to commit to a daily oral care routine and have regular dental checkups.

Advantages:

·       Implants are most similar to a natural tooth

·       Adjacent teeth do not have to be involved in the placement procedure

·       Implants may last for many years

·       Implants may prevent resorption/shrinkage of the jawbone from tooth loss

Disadvantages:

·       Implants are not options for everyone, since they require surgery

·       Implant placement may take longer and may require more dental visits

·       Implants are more expensive

For more information on implants, contact Dr. Lee and her team today.