How a Spring area dentist can provide dental treatment for sleep apnea

 In Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that can affect sleep and quality of life during waking hours. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the airway. This may be caused by a misaligned jaw, a lazy tongue, or excess tissue around the neck area. When the area is blocked, patients stop breathing for several seconds, which causes them to wake up, gasping for breath. This cycle can happen hundreds of times in one night and requires medical assistance as patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at risk for a variety of medical concerns over the course of time. Additionally, it can affect their life by reducing their energy and increasing their risk for problems such as concentration and memory, and even depression and anxiety. Obstructive sleep apnea can affect both men and women.

Patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea by their physician are often told to utilize a CPAP machine. CPAP machines (which stands for continuous positive airway pressure) are effective for sleep apnea patients, although many do not tolerate treatment well. The CPAP machine can be bulky and difficult to sleep with, reducing compliance. This causes patients to continue to be negatively affected by the sleeping disorder, putting their health and wellness at risk.

Instead, patients can turn to their dental professional for assistance. There is dental treatment for sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. Dr. Robert Dernick of the Spring area can provide oral appliance therapy as an alternative to complicated CPAP machines and he is happy to offer this method of treatment for those dissatisfied with their physician’s current recommendations.

Oral appliance therapy uses a special apparatus that is custom-made to fit into the mouth. It helps realign the jaw and hold down the tongue to open the airways without a bulky CPAP mask. Dr. Robert Dernick finds that many of his patients are much more compliant with therapy due to the ease of use and comfort associated with oral appliance therapy in comparison to CPAP treatment.


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