The new field of epigenetics assists dentists in ways that were not possible before. With new technology, dentists can correct oral and facial structures to provide individuals with relief from symptoms of various health conditions such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) or sleep apnea. While this field is still new, many individuals find relief from symptoms with help from an epigenetic dentist. Epigenetic dentistry allows individuals suffering from sleep apnea to find long-lasting and more personal treatment.
What is Epigenetic Dentistry?
Epigenetic dentistry is the field of science that combined dental issues with epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of gene function changes that are not related to a change in DNA sequence. Moreover, epigenetics assists dentists in the diagnosis of and treating different dental issues. Some common dental problems that epigenetics helps with are:
- Periodontics
- Oral malformations
- TMJD
- Sleep apnea
- Craniofacial development issues
- Tooth defects and development issues.
Through the science of epigenetics, dentists are better equipped to help patients. Doctors, including dentists, can better diagnose, provide treatment, and prevent various dental problems. In addition, epigenetics allows for a more specific cause for the issue. For example, treatment is different for individuals suffering from sleep apnea due to malocclusion (a bad bite) from trauma than for individuals whose sleep apnea is due to genetics.
How Can Epigenetics Help With Sleep Apnea
Epigenetics allows for alternatives to a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine for treatment if a bad bite is the cause of an individual’s sleep apnea. For example, oral appliance therapy can be a part of a person’s treatment plan if a person cannot use a CPAP mask. Alternatively, suppose sleep apnea is due to the underdevelopment of a person’s jaw structure that causes teeth crowding or upper jaw protrusion. In that case, growth appliance therapy might be a better treatment route.
Finding Sleep Relief in Washington
Dr. Buck is a facial orthopedist based in the state of Washington. Through teamwork and combining their expertise, Dr. Buck and his fellow ENT physicians and pulmonologists help their patients find relief from sleep apnea. With Dr. Buck and his team, relief from the severity and alleviate symptoms of sleep breathing issues is possible. For more information on Dr. Buck’s practice and the treatment options he provides, please schedule an appointment by giving us a call today at 425-361-7499. Additionally, one may contact us by filling out our online form.
