Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is a common yet often overlooked sleep disorder that affects millions of individuals across the United States. While it can have serious consequences for your overall health, the good news is that there are effective treatments available, including personalized oral appliance therapy fitted by our trained sleep dentist in West Des Moines.
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing often occur repeatedly throughout the night, sometimes even hundreds of times. As a result, they disrupt your natural sleep cycle and prevent you from achieving the restorative deep sleep your body, brain, and cardiovascular system needs, raising your chances of a life-threatening heart attack.
Symptoms of sleep apnea often include subtle warning signs like:
- Weight gain
- Worn, flat teeth
- Waking with a headache
- Depression, irritability, or mood changes
- A larger than average neck circumference
- High blood pressure
- Snoring
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is most common form of sleep apnea and occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax excessively, causing a temporary blockage of your airway. Because it originates at the back of your mouth, this specific type of sleeping disorder can often be managed with oral appliance therapy with a trained sleep dentist.
MOUTHGUARDS FOR SLEEP APNEA IN WEST DES MOINES, IA
Sleep dentists are crucial in screening for and treating sleep apnea, particularly in cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At Plaza Dental Group, our experienced team of providers can help patients identify the warning signs and intervene as necessary.
One of the most effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea is the use of oral sleep appliances, commonly known as sleep mouthguards or mandibular advancement devices (MADs). These custom-fitted medical devices are designed to reposition your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea but struggle with your CPAP machine, an oral appliance may be a great alternative treatment to consider.
Here’s how it works:
- Customized Fit: We will take precise measurements of your mouth and create a personalized device tailored to your unique needs. This ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness.
- Improved Airflow: The oral appliance helps to prevent the collapse of your throat muscles and tongue, allowing for a more consistent airflow during sleep.
- Better Sleep: By reducing or eliminating apneas, mandibular advancement devices can significantly improve your sleep quality, leading to reduced daytime fatigue and enhanced overall health.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike bulky CPAP machines, oral appliances are non-invasive and well-tolerated by most patients. They’re also more discreet and easier to travel with.
It’s important to note that oral appliances are most effective for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. In severe cases, or when other treatments are deemed more suitable, our dentists will work closely with sleep specialists to explore alternative options.
