Dentist in Turlock answers the question, “Can sleep apnea be cured?”
Although obstructive sleep apnea can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed by your dentist? If you are struggling to sleep, are tired all day, or interrupt your partner’s sleep by snoring, it’s time to see your Turlock dentist, Dr. Ramsin K Davoud about sleep apnea treatment.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common, yet serious, sleep disorder in which individuals experience repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. If you snore heavily or feel tired constantly, even after sleeping, you may suffer from sleep apnea.
Signs and Symptoms
Some of the most common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Constant daytime sleepiness
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Morning headaches
- Jaw pain
Treatment
CPAP therapy is typically the number one treatment for sleep apnea. The device keeps the airway open by pushing air through it to prevent the pauses in breathing. While CPAP is very effective, compliance with the machine is often very low. Many patients report that the CPAP device is loud, bulky, and uncomfortable. Luckily, there is a new way.
Oral appliance therapy from your dentist can control sleep apnea. The custom-fit appliance helps patients feel rested and restores health for those with obstructive sleep apnea. The oral appliance fits in the mouth like a mouth guard or retainer. It works by positioning the jaw forward to keep the airway open.
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
- Non-invasive
- Comfortable
- Quiet
- Convenient
- Easy to wear
- Portable
How to begin Oral Appliance Therapy
During a consultation, we will discuss your diagnosis of sleep apnea and the benefits of oral appliance therapy. A complete exam and x-rays are done during this visit as well. The custom-fit appliance is made from impressions of your teeth. The model is sent to a lab for fabrication.
Once the appliance is ready, you will return to the office for a fitting. Adjustments can be made to improve comfort.
If you are ready for a good night’s sleep again, it’s time to learn about oral appliance therapy in Turlock. Call our office today at (209) 666-8867 to schedule your consultation.
