Sleep Apnea Treatment
Learn more about Sleep Apnea Treatment at Pleasant Valley Smile Studio and request your appointment below!
About 20 million Americans suffer from snoring, daytime drowsiness, irritability, fatigue, forgetfulness, falling asleep at inappropriate times or sudden waking, choking, coughing or gasping, caused by sleep apnea.
It’s time to get a handle on the problem and experience: The Rest of Your Life.
Many people don’t even know they have a problem, so they live day in and day out feeling tired, irritable and forgetful.
While you sleep, oral structures can relax and partially block your airway. When this happens, your breath vibrates loose tissues as it is forced in and out of the body. Snoring is the sound produced by the vibrations.
Sleep apnea literally means that you stop breathing while you sleep. Instead of partial blockage, relaxed or improperly positioned oral structures completely block your airway. In many cases, sleep apnea sufferers stop breathing for periods of 10 seconds or longer and this happens repeatedly throughout the night.
When your brain senses oxygen deficiency, it alerts your body to wake up and take a breath. Some people wake up just enough to disrupt deep REM sleep, while others awake fully and quickly, choking or gasping for air.
Without sufficient REM sleep, the human body and brain simply don’t function at a high level.
Fortunately, we can help.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often caused when the lower jaw relaxes and soft tissues in the throat move in front of the airway. As a dentist, we understand the anatomy of oral structures, including the jaw (mandible).
Our sleep apnea and snoring patients have found great success with the oral appliances we offer that hold the lower jaw slightly forward and help prevent airway blockage.
The oral appliance resembles a sports mouth guard and it’s comfortable to wear. It keeps the airway open so that you can sleep comfortably with no disruptions.
FAQs About Sleep Apnea Treatment
Check out some of the questions we often get about Sleep Apnea Treatment. Still have questions? Contact us today!
While sleep apnea is indeed a medical condition, dentists play a crucial role in treatment, especially for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Our dental team specializes in creating custom oral appliances that reposition your jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway during sleep. These devices are often more comfortable and convenient alternatives to CPAP machines. Dentists have specialized knowledge of oral structures and how they affect breathing. We work collaboratively with sleep physicians, ensuring you receive comprehensive care that addresses both the medical and dental aspects of your sleep apnea.
Oral appliances offer several advantages over CPAP therapy. They're small, portable, and don't require electricity, making them ideal for travel. Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable and less intrusive than CPAP masks, leading to better treatment compliance. They're silent, won't disturb your partner, and don't cause the dryness or irritation sometimes associated with CPAP therapy. Oral appliances are also discreet, easy to clean, and typically require less adjustment time. For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who can't tolerate CPAP, a custom dental appliance often provides effective relief.
The effectiveness of your oral appliance can be monitored in several ways. Many patients report immediate improvements in symptoms like reduced snoring, better sleep quality, increased daytime energy, and decreased morning headaches. For objective measurement, we recommend a follow-up sleep study while wearing your appliance to confirm its effectiveness. We also schedule regular check-ups to assess your comfort, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure proper fit. Some patients use sleep tracking apps or devices to monitor their sleep quality. Your improvement in overall well-being is our ultimate measure of success.
Our Commitment
Why Choose Our Practice
01.
Patients
Patient First Approach
We use plain language to explain the current state of each patient’s oral health, so they have a thorough understanding of what needs to be done.
02.
Team
Welcoming Team
We offer a warm and welcoming environment in which patients feel comfortable discussing their needs. We work to learn about the unique needs of each patient so we can provide optimum dental care.
03.
Location
Convenient Location
Our bright and welcoming office operates from early in the morning, ensuring that you can schedule appointments whenever you need them.
Patient Testimonials
Restoring Smiles, Building Trust
We have all the dental services you need to restore the natural confidence of your smile.