Sleep Apnea Therapy

Sleep apnea is a condition that often goes unnoticed as it occurs during sleep. A common indicator is persistent snoring, caused by vibrating throat tissues during muscle relaxation. While not all snorers have sleep apnea, many who suffer from this condition do experience snoring. Sleep apnea is more prevalent in men, older adults, and those who are overweight, but it can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness level. If you experience symptoms like persistent snoring or daytime fatigue despite adequate sleep, it is crucial to seek professional evaluation. Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study conducted by your primary care physician.

While your regular physician is the one who diagnoses sleep apnea & can prescribe treatment, there are also ways that the dentist can help. The most common therapy for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which involves a machine that pumps a constant flow of air into you airways while you wear a mask. As you can imagine, this solution can be uncomfortable & awkward to sleep with & get used to, not to mention the sanitation effort that goes into maintaining a breathing machine at home.

So what does sleep apnea have to do with your dentist? Dentistry has come up with another solution that many patients find more comfortable. Specialized dental appliances that resemble sports mouthguards can keep the lower jaw in a position that prevents the muscles of your tongue & upper throat from collapsing into your airway. Rather than being strapped into a machine, the patient can simply wear a custom-fitted dental appliance. The added benefit of these devices is that they can also prevent snoring, meaning a better night’s rest for your sleep partner too.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can work with you & your doctor to come up with a plan for a dental device that will keep you breathing easily through the night.