SLEEP CLINIC- YOU CAN FIX YOUR SLEEP APNEA THROUGH YOUR DENTIST
- Your Dentist Can Prescribe A Dental Appliance To Relieve Sleep Apnea
- You Don’t Always Have To Visit A Sleep Clinic
- Make An Appointment Today For A Consultation On All Of Our Treatments
Sleep apnea is a disorder which is characterized by pauses, or periods of shallow breathing when one is asleep. Other symptoms which are commonly associated with sleep apnea are snoring and a feeling of tiredness, even after a night’s sleep.
When you sleep, the muscles of the tongue and throat are more relaxed. Relaxation of these muscles for a person with apnea results in blockage of the airway which makes it difficult to breathe. During this pause, the lack of oxygen pulls the brain from the state of deep sleep into a lighter sleep or causes the person to wake up regularly hence the tiredness.
The most common treatment is using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) which is both hectic and uncomfortable. You don’t always have to go to a sleep clinic and be prescribed a CPAP machine to alleviate your sleep disorder. At our dental facility, we offer an alternative treatment which includes using dental devices known as mouthpieces. The purpose of these appliances is to adjust the lower jaw and the tongue thus keeping the airway open during sleep.
There are various kinds of mouthpieces available. The mandibular advancement device pulls the lower jaw (plus the tongue) forward and holds open the collapsible part of the airway. Tongue retaining devices pull the tongue forward which also keeps the airway from blocking.
If the dentist diagnoses you with sleep apnea, you are fitted with one of these dental devices. We are also qualified to customize the mouthpiece for maximum comfort.
Aside from denying you (and your partner) sound sleep, the oxygen shortage may cause poor performance in everyday activities. Sleep apnea is not directly fatal, but if left unchecked it raises your risk for other health issues such as heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and headaches among others.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition which can affect any person of any age. Call or visit us today to receive a diagnosis and get adequate treatment.