Sleep apnea treatment with the help of a dentist
If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and told that the use of a CPAP device is the only treatment option available to you, you can take time to learn more about alternative therapies, such as oral appliance therapy, which is effective at addressing this condition with a less cumbersome solution. Drs. Bryce Eagar, Matthew Geddes, and Andy Mohlman, and their team at Gateway Oral Health Center in St. George, Utah, work with new and returning patients to help them with the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, or “OSA.”
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing pauses or becomes very shallow while you sleep. This can cause you to snore loudly and feel tired during the day. Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health problems, like heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
If you believe you might have sleep apnea, see your doctor. They can refer you to a sleep specialist for an evaluation. Once a definitive diagnosis is made, our team at Gateway Oral Health Center can assist in providing effective treatment using oral appliance therapy, mouthguards, or other devices.
How can sleep apnea be treated with a dental provider?
Your dental provider can help you treat your sleep apnea in several ways. One way is by ensuring your teeth and jaw are properly aligned. This can be done using braces, retainers, or other devices. Another way is by providing you with a custom-made mouthpiece that you can wear during sleep. This mouthpiece will help keep your airway open and prevent snoring. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
How do sleep apnea devices help with obstructive sleep apnea?
If you are interested in learning more about snoring mouthpieces or sleep apnea mouthguards and whether they are right for you, you will want to take time to learn more about them through Gateway Oral Health Center in St. George, Utah. Drs. Bryce Eagar, Matthew Geddes, or Andy Mohlman will evaluate your condition to determine if an oral appliance could be an effective sleep apnea treatment without CPAP machines.
How do I find out more?
Call Gateway Oral Health Center today at (435) 656-0255 to request an appointment at our practice, conveniently located at 720 South River Road, Suite B-210, in St. George, UT. An evaluation can be made during this visit to address this and other dental conditions that may affect one’s oral health and wellness.
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from a life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. About 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea and it is a problem that many don’t even realize they might have. But what does this have to do with dentistry? Because sleep apnea is caused by an airway obstruction, the disorder can be treated through the mouth. The Thorton adjustable positioner or Tap appliance is one of the more popular ways to treat sleep apnea. When the jawbone yes lax, the tongue and soft tissue obstruct the airway. The tap appliance advances the jaw bone, allowing the air to flow freely and making sleep more restful throughout the night. If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist today about possible treatment options.
