People that go to bed every night at a reasonable hour, yet still wake up feeling exhausted, may have sleep apnea. When an individual has sleep apnea, different factors like jaw placement or extra throat tissue work together to block the airway. This blockage of the airway causes snoring and persistent waking, even when the individual does not realize it.
Sleep apnea is frustrating, but it is also dangerous to overall health. When someone has sleep apnea, he or she is more at risk for stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, low blood oxygen levels, and obesity among many other negative diseases and disorders. Sleep apnea can even lead to an early death. People who think they may be experiencing some side effects of sleep apnea, need to visit a sleep apnea dentist to get fitted for an oral appliance that will help.
The most commonly used treatment for sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. These appliances are also commonly referred to as sleep apnea mouthpieces. The oral appliance looks like a mouthguard or retainer but fits more comfortably. The oral appliance works to help realign the jaw and teeth. It can also help hold the tongue in place, so it does not fall toward the back of the throat, creating an airway obstruction. As needed, our oral appliances can also keep soft tissues in the back of the throat from falling out of place during sleep. This treatment is far more convenient than wearing a loud and bulky CPAP machine.
The oral appliance therapy at our sleep apnea dentist office can reduce and eliminate the side effects of sleep apnea. It can also help to alleviate any discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. The mandibular advancement device oral appliance is mainly used to move the jaw forward as the individual sleeps. The tongue re-training device is another less commonly used option since it is a splint used to hold the tongue in place. These are the two most common types of oral appliances used in sleep apnea treatment. They both work to keep tissues and jaw position from obstructing the intake of oxygen.
Once you receive your oral appliance, and we ensure it fits properly at our sleep apnea dentist office, you will immediately notice a difference in how you feel when you wake up. Receiving enough oxygen at night allows you to sleep without waking and to wake up refreshed. It also leads to a healthier lifestyle overall. Visit Thanasas Family Dental Care today to learn more about the benefits of wearing an oral appliance.
Sleep apnea can affect breathing, energy levels, and overall health, and a dentist may play an important role in supporting treatment. While a physician or sleep specialist provides the diagnosis, a general dentist can identify possible signs during routine exams and provide oral appliance therapy when appropriate. This collaborative approach helps patients receive care that…
Managing sleep apnea often involves a visit to the general dentist, as the mouth and jaw play a fundamental role in keeping the airway open and clear during sleep. While many people think of this condition as something only a physician handles, dentists have a unique view of the physical signs that appear during a…
Sleep apnea disrupts breathing during sleep and increases the risk of daytime fatigue, headaches, and cardiovascular strain. A general dentist evaluates airway health during routine visits and identifies red flags such as snoring, grinding, and jaw crowding. When appropriate, the dentist collaborates with a physician to confirm a diagnosis, then offers practical options, often an…
Sleep apnea affects tens of millions of American adults. Without an effective treatment solution, obstructive sleep apnea can cause symptoms that affect the patient negatively at night and throughout each day. The good news is that there are effective treatment solutions for sleep apnea. In this review, we discuss the most popular options from a…
Your cosmetic dentist can transform your appearance by enhancing your smile. You may be able…
A cosmetic dentist can help create a smile you will be proud of, whether you…
Sleep apnea can affect breathing, energy levels, and overall health, and a dentist may play…
If your smile has been worn down over time due to issues like bruxism (grinding)…
By seeing every member of the household, a family dentist gains a comprehensive view of…
Wondering about your cosmetic dentistry options? Read on to learn more. Getting cosmetic dentistry treatment…