Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Dentistry

Are you still groggy even after a full night of sleep? If you almost never feel fully rested or wake up several times during the night, you might be experiencing the results of sleep apnea. This condition prevents you from receiving a peaceful night’s rest and loud snoring may even disrupt your partner’s sleep as well. Your airway health is very much connected to dentistry, and we provide solutions at 915 Smile Studio to help get restful sleep back into your life.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that results in irregular or obstructed breathing during sleep. Breathing may be difficult or stop altogether, causing the person to choke or gasp for air intermittently as the brain sends an alert that it needs oxygen. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by blockage of the airway during sleep. The muscle that holds the airway open relaxes during sleep, preventing effective breathing. Common causes are excess weight, orthodontic or oral structure issues, and genetic conditions. Central apnea is much less common, and is the result of the brain failing to transmit signals to the body to breathe during sleep. It could be caused by a variety of medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure or strokes, or damage to the brainstem.
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Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Often, a sleeping partner will notice sleep apnea symptoms before the one suffering through it does. Loud snoring and choking or gasping for air are some of the most common symptoms. However, snoring isn’t always present, and there are several other symptoms to look out that may indicate sleep apnea:

  • Repeated waking during sleep
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches after waking up
  • Tiredness after waking
  • Loud snoring
  • Irregular breathing patterns during sleep
  • Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Nighttime restlessness

Airway Therapy

We aim to use conservative, non-surgical solutions for sleep apnea treatment in our office. We offer custom-fitted sleep apnea mouth guards as an effective treatment for patients suffering from disrupted breathing. After an initial consultation of your condition, we take precise impressions of your bite. These are then sent to a dental laboratory to produce a customized mouthguard. The mouthguard works by moving the lower mandible forward during sleep, comfortably keeping the airway open and maintaining a healthy oral sleeping posture. This conservative sleep apnea treatment is an excellent alternative for patients who don’t want to wear a CPAP mask or receive surgical treatment to achieve airway relief. The customized fit also ensures you’re comfortable and able to relax while you sleep comfortably through the night.

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Breathe Easy With Airway Therapy Solutions at 915 Smile Studio

We understand the impact that sleep apnea can have on your overall health and well-being. With our comprehensive airway therapy, you can experience improved sleep quality, enhanced daytime alertness, and better overall health. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to a better night’s sleep.