At Avery Dental Wellness, we prioritize not only your oral health but also your overall well-being, including the quality of your sleep. Sleep apnea is a common yet serious condition that disrupts sleep and can lead to significant health risks if left untreated.
From heart disease to increased chances of stroke, sleep apnea poses dangers that go beyond mere snoring. That’s why we offer effective sleep apnea treatment in Dublin, OH, aimed at improving your sleep and enhancing your overall health.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, or apneas, are caused by blockages in the airway, usually when the muscles in the throat relax too much. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse, blocking the airway. This causes breathing to stop momentarily, leading to a drop in blood oxygen levels.
The body’s response to this is to wake you up briefly to reopen the airway, though you may not remember these awakenings. This cycle can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, severely disrupting your sleep and leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and more severe health problems.
Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves a sleep study, either at a sleep clinic or, in some cases, at home. During a sleep study, your sleep patterns, oxygen levels, and breathing are monitored overnight. The data collected helps determine the severity of your condition and guides your treatment options.
Once diagnosed, a sleep specialist may recommend various treatment options, including Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, surgery, or oral appliance therapy. Our dental professionals in Dublin, OH work closely with your sleep physician to provide effective, non-invasive treatment options.
CPAP involves wearing a mask over your nose or mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep your airway open. While effective, some patients find CPAP uncomfortable or difficult to maintain.
This non-invasive treatment option is often recommended for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. The custom-fitted oral appliance resembles a mouthguard and works by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and effective, making it a popular choice among patients.
For some, losing weight, quitting smoking, or changing sleep positions can significantly reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
In severe cases where other treatments fail, surgery may be recommended to remove or reduce the tissue blocking the airway.
At our dental practice in Dublin, OH, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal health through comprehensive dental care. We offer custom-fitted oral appliances as a comfortable and effective treatment for sleep apnea. These devices are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your airway remains open throughout the night without the discomfort of more invasive treatments.
Our dental professionals work in conjunction with your sleep specialist to ensure that your treatment plan is effective and tailored to your unique situation. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect you might have it, we’re here to guide you through the process, from diagnosis to treatment.
