Are you constantly tired, even after a full night's sleep? Sleep apnea, a common condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, could be the culprit. This condition can impact your quality of life, but fortunately, there are effective dental treatments that can significantly improve how you sleep.
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or entirely blocked as you sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. These interruptions can happen hundreds of times a night, preventing you from reaching deep, restorative sleep.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Not all dentists are trained in treating sleep apnea, but those who are, can diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Many patients are unaware that sleep apnea can be treated with specialized dental devices. These options can provide relief and help you sleep better.
Oral dental appliances are custom-made devices worn during sleep that keep the airway open. These appliances gently reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway blockage. They are comfortable, portable, and practical for mild to moderate sleep apnea and can be found at Pinnacle Dental in Grove City.
A CPAP machine is the most recommended treatment for sleep apnea. It keeps the airway open by delivering a continuous stream of air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth and nose together. The constant air keeps the soft tissues from collapsing, which minimizes breathing pauses throughout the night. This option is effective, but with hoses and a mask, sleeping comfortably can be difficult.
If CPAP machines and oral appliances aren't suitable options for you, your sleep apnea dentist may recommend surgery. These procedures have effectively treated excessive or malformed tissues that don't respond to other sleep apnea devices.
Patients with a deviated nasal septum, enlarged tonsils, or a small lower jaw with an overbite find relief post-surgery.
Don't let sleep apnea drain your energy. Schedule a consultation at Pinnacle Dental in Grove City to explore dental sleep apnea treatments that can restore your energy and help you get the rest you need! Call our Grove City office today!
