Combat Sleep Apnea with Simple and Non-invasive Treatment
Have you been told you snore at night? Do you always wake up feeling groggy? No matter how you twist and turn, you can’t seem to get enough sleep? The cause of your weariness and sleeplessness could be sleep apnea. Unfortunately, if this sleep-disordered breathing condition isn’t remedied, it may cause numerous health complications, including hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.
While sleep apnea is a severe condition, the treatment is simple. Piney Creek Family Dentistry overcomes sleep apnea by using a customized dental splint. While a sleeping mouthpiece doesn’t cure sleep apnea, it manages the symptoms for a healthy, everyday life.
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from the life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. About 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea and it is a problem that many don’t even realize they might have. But what does this have to do with dentistry? Because sleep apnea is caused by an airway obstruction, the disorder can be treated through the mouth. The Thorton adjustable positioner, or Tap appliance is one of the more popular ways to treat sleep apnea. When the jawbone yes lax, the tongue and soft tissue obstruct the airway. The tap appliance advances the jaw bone, allowing the air to flow freely and making sleep more restful throughout the night. If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist today about possible treatment options.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing stops when you are sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. This type occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse, blocking the airway. Although not common, some patients suffer from central sleep apnea (CSA), where the brain fails to signal the breathing muscles.
If you have sleep apnea, breathing stops momentarily, but this can occur up to a hundred times in a night. This denies your body the much-needed oxygen, resulting in numerous health complications.
How can I tell I have sleep apnea? Most cases of sleep apnea are undiagnosed because the sufferers aren’t aware of the condition. Unless your bed partner tells you, you will barely notice your snoring habit or pause in breathing. However, you may notice the following signs over time.
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Poor concentration
- Waking up with a sore or dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Reduced sex drive
If you suspect sleep apnea, don’t take it lightly. Instead, schedule a consultation with a sleep apnea dentist like Dr. Tiffany Fritz for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How we treat sleep apnea
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is usually the gold standard for treating sleep apnea. While this therapy works, most patients fall through the treatment, citing numerous reasons, including cumbersomeness, irritation, and noise.
If CPAPs aren’t working for you, we have a simple, non-invasive option. We offer oral appliance therapy, which uses a customized dental device. Once the oral device is in place, it pushes the lower jaw forward to reposition your tongue, preventing it from collapsing while sleeping. This treatment works effectively for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea treatment
Can’t tolerate CPAP? We offer a simple yet effective sleep apnea solution in Centennial, Aurora, Parker, CO, and nearby locations. Our customized dental device is non-invasive, easy to use, and effective in treating most sleep apnea patients. Please dial (303) 562-1051 to schedule an appointment with Piney Creek Family Dentistry to get started.
