Sleep apnea is a very serious disease that can even be fatal if it is not treated. This disease causes you to wake up multiple times during the night; it could be a few times or a few hundred times depending on its severity.
The reason you are waking up with this disorder is because you stop breathing multiple times a night, which is why your brain wakes you up. Traditionally, the treatment for this illness is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, but if you have seen these devices, you know how cumbersome they can be. Not many people are able to sleep with the mask on their face; at least not comfortably.
DENTAL SOLUTIONS FOR SLEEP APNEA
Luckily, we have several solutions that we can offer our patients. Oftentimes people overlook the need for an OMS specialist to get involved in the sleep apnea treatment, when in fact we can offer valuable solutions. Sometimes all that is needed is a custom made mouth guard that is worn at night. This mouth guard helps to push the tongue forward or to open up the airway. By doing this, you are able to breathe easier while you sleep at night, which means no more obstructions and reasons to stop breathing. When you are able to comfortably breathe, your brain can relax and you are able to get a good night’s rest.
CPAP is not the only answer for sleep apnea. If this treatment did not work for you or you are hesitant to try it, come see us to see if you are a good candidate for oral appliance therapy.
Have a question about sleep apnea? Call us today to find out more!