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What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is becoming more and more common among patients of all ages. For those who have it, sleep is constantly interrupted as breathing stops and starts repeatedly. It is common for someone with sleep apnea to wake up in the morning feeling exhausted – as if they didn’t sleep at all.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles of the throat relax and narrow, nearly blocking your airway. This most generally happens when you lie down in bed. Some people find they wake up choking or gasping. Others don’t even realize that it’s happening. Either way, the brain responds by waking you up so that you can breathe properly.
Signs You Need Sleep Apnea Treatment
There are a few signs that you may have sleep apnea. Do any of the following apply to you?
If so, then you should seek treatment as soon as possible.
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Gasping or choking in the night for air
- Difficulty concentrating
- Waking up exhausted
- Easily irritated
- Dry mouth in the morning
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is often an effective alternative to CPAP for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
There are a few signs that you may have sleep apnea. Do any of the following apply to you?
If so, then you should seek treatment as soon as possible.
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Gasping or choking in the night for air
- Difficulty concentrating
- Waking up exhausted
- Easily irritated
- Dry mouth in the morning
Why Choose Lane Family Dental?
Maybe you don’t know much about sleep apnea or maybe you are a bit scared because you have been gasping for air in the night. Whatever has led you to Lane Family Dentistry, you are in good hands. Our compassionate team of dental professionals understands the seriousness of sleep apnea treatment – and the widespread need for it.
We are dedicated to making sleep apnea less taboo so that those who need treatment can come forward and receive it. Dr. Lane has been extensively trained in caring for your oral health – and that means sleep apnea, too. So, we have invested in the proper technology and can provide treatment using custom-fitted oral appliances to provide you with a much-needed night of rest.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions but prefer not to call? Browse our FAQs for quick answers and a better understanding of our dental office and services.
Dentists can specialize in dental sleep medicine and work to treat the effects of sleep apnea using oral appliance therapy.
Dentists may recommend a cPAP machine that you would wear at night to push air through the oral and nasal passages to keep soft tissue from collapsing and cutting off your air supply. However, many dentists find that more milder forms of sleep apnea can simply be treated with an oral appliance (similar to a mouthguard) that keeps the lower jaw and tongue in a position to minimize any obstruction.