Have you ever felt fatigued even after a full night’s sleep? Sleep apnea might be the culprit. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes interruptions in your breathing while you sleep. These pauses in breathing can occur multiple times throughout the night. As a result, this can lead to fragmented sleep. This can leave you feeling exhausted during the day.
But, how does the dentist fit with sleep apnea? With certain treatments, we can help alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms. This is because one way you can develop sleep apnea is due to the alignment of your jaw and other soft tissues. Therefore, we can provide devices to keep your airway open.
At Ridge Family Dental, we are committed to enhancing your smile and ensuring you enjoy a good night’s sleep. In addition to treating sleeping disorders, we offer restorative dentistry procedures to patients in Lyndhurst New Jersey.
How Does Sleep Apnea Develop?
Sleep apnea can develop for various reasons. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much. As a result, it can cause a temporary blockage of the airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is much less common. CSA results from a failure of the brain to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of OSA and CSA.
Risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, age, family history, and certain medical conditions. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Your Dentist: A Key Player for Treatment
We understand that quality sleep plays a critical role in your overall well-being. That is why we offer a comprehensive approach to addressing sleep apnea. As a result, we focus on oral appliance therapy.
Imagine a small, custom-fit device that resembles a mouthguard. This is an oral appliance. It can be a game-changer for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy.
Our experienced team can craft personalized oral appliances that work to reposition your lower jaw and tongue. This helps keep your airway open during sleep. The result? Improved airflow, reduced snoring, and a more restful night’s sleep.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
With oral appliance therapy, you can feel a variety of benefits.
Comfortable and Convenient: Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are compact, portable, and easy to use. No bulky masks or hoses–just slip in the device and sleep peacefully.
Patient-Friendly: Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable and less intrusive than other sleep apnea treatments. The custom device ensures a snug yet gentle fit. As a result, it generally helps people stick to their treatment.
Improved Sleep Quality: When you improve airflow and reduce apneas, you can improve your sleep quality. Therefore, oral appliance therapy can leave you feeling more refreshed and alert during the day.
Sleep is the cornerstone of your overall health and well-being. Our team is here to guide you through your sleep apnea treatment journey.