Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for your overall well-being. It helps you feel great and perform at your peak. In the United States, around 25 million adults experience obstructive sleep apnea, while over three times that number snore. At Lakeview Family Dentistry, we offer solutions to tackle these problems, ensuring you can have a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that can be life-threatening, as it involves pauses in breathing while asleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when there is a blockage in the airway that hinders the flow of oxygen through the nose or mouth during sleep. In individuals with this condition, the muscles in the throat and mouth relax too much during sleep, causing them to fall back and create a blockage that restricts breathing.
What are the indications of sleep apnea?
During sleeping hours, individuals with this disorder may experience loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation, abrupt awakenings, gasping for air, and difficulties in achieving a restful sleep. Moreover, sleep apnea can also cause problems during the day, including morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Additionally, sleep apnea is often linked to other medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular and heart issues, gastric reflux, and depression.
How can I determine if I have sleep apnea?
A physician can conduct a sleep study to determine if the disorder is present and how severe it is. The findings from this study, along with other medical results, will be used to determine the recommended therapy.
How is sleep apnea treated?
One popular treatment for obstructive sleep apnea involves using a CPAP machine during sleep. This machine delivers a continuous flow of pressurized air into the respiratory system through a mask.
Oral Appliances: An Effective Solution for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Oral appliances are commonly recommended for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring. These appliances, similar to mouthguards or orthodontic retainers, are worn to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the throat during sleep, ensuring that the airway remains open. There are various designs available, and the choice of appliance depends on the individual's specific needs. Nonetheless, the ultimate aim of treatment is to decrease the occurrence and duration of apneas, hypopneas, and snoring.
Custom Oral Appliances, Skilled And Experienced Care
Our office specializes in Dental Sleep Medicine and is dedicated to providing skilled, experienced, and reliable care. We take a comprehensive approach to treatment, analyzing your needs, oral anatomy, and taking precise impressions of your teeth to ensure the best results. Our appliances are designed for maximum effectiveness and comfort, promoting a safer, more restful, and restorative night's sleep. In addition to creating and calibrating each appliance, we also offer periodic monitoring and recalibration to optimize health benefits and maintain your smile's integrity. Did you know that many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition? If you suspect you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, don't hesitate to contact our office today!