Sleep Apnea Treatment 

 

Undiagnosed sleep apnea is a problem in the United States in general. Numerous studies have shown that up to 80% of the people with the sleep disorder do not know why their sleep quality is so poor because they have never had a sleep test.

 

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when your airway collapses because your soft palate falls to the back of your throat, reducing or cutting off your oxygen levels. Your brain will jar you to start breathing again. Your tongue may fall back as well, which also can block your airway. This can happen five or more times an hour while you sleep, depriving you of the REM sleep that you need to wake up refreshed. Your partner may also tell you that you make choking sounds in your sleep and you wake up gasping for air.

 

How Would I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea symptoms that you should be aware of include:

 

Morning headaches

Difficulty concentrating

Loud snoring with pauses in between

Daytime sleepiness

Our dentist may recognize other symptoms, such as teeth grinding, during a routine exam. He or she will refer you to a physician for a diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, we can help you with a custom oral appliance for sleep apnea.

 

Which Sleep Apnea Causes Are Preventable?

The usual causes of sleep apnea include:

 

Having a large neck size

Having a thick tongue

A family history of the problem

Heavy drug or alcohol use

Being overweight

 

Since it takes time to lose weight safely, the use of a sleep apnea mouthpiece from a specially trained dentist can provide immediate relief.

 

Where Can I Find Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Your doctor may suggest sleeping on your side or using a CPAP machine, which keeps your airway open with a continuous flow of air. If the thought of wearing a mask every night makes you feel uncomfortable, our dental office offers oral appliances that can treat sleep apnea and help you have a restful night.  

 

Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea

Is a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard Effective?

A mouth guard is a tailor- made oral appliance that resembles a retainer. You will wear it while you sleep; it prevents the soft tissues in the back of your throat from relaxing and then collapsing. A custom-made oral appliance can affect the position of the tongue as well, keeping your airway open.

 

Will Oral Appliance Therapy Treatment (OAT) Keep Me from Snoring?

Loud snoring isn’t normal. People snore because the soft tissues in the throat vibrate as they breathe. If your bed mate complains about your exceptionally loud snoring or they tell you that there are long pauses between each snore, these are signs of OSA. After an in-home sleep test and a diagnosis from a sleep doctor, our sleep dentist can suggest an oral appliance that prevents loud snoring caused by OSA.

 

Does Medical Insurance Cover Oral Appliance Therapy?

Medical insurance frequently covers custom oral appliances. However, coverage varies between plans. Call our office if you need an oral appliance for sleep apnea and we will help you obtain the maximum benefit that you are entitled to from your medical insurance plan.