Sleep Apnea is a much more common diagnosis than most people think. Actually, chances are that you or someone you know suffers from sleep apnea. However, did you know that our dentist office can offer treatments that will allow you to sleep like normal? While we cannot diagnose your sleep apnea, our solutions are perfect for getting you back on track with not only your sleep schedule but your daily activities, as well.
What is Sleep Apnea?
A person suffering from sleep apnea may be unaware it affects his/her daily life. Characterized by a pause in breathing, each apnea that occurs during sleep alerts the brain to wake up. Most sufferers have these breaks in consistent breathing happen more than once each night.
There are many causes of sleep apnea though many center on the obstruction of normal airflow.
If left untreated, sleep apnea wreaks havoc on the body. Everyday activities become strenuous, and a person loses the ability to perform at the highest level. This can lead to problems with depression, which eventually affects each aspect of life, including relationships and career pursuits.
Available Treatments
Some of the most popular sleep apnea treatments are:
CPAP Machine
Research shows that CPAP owners use the machine only 50 percent of the time due to its unfavorable side effects. With a traditional CPAP, people experience a range of discomfort, which often leads to an even poorer nights rest.
The machine uses a mask to constantly push air through your airways. This is a main complaint for users, as it can be hard to fall asleep with the loud noise and unnatural airflow blowing into your airways.
The mask used to push air into a patient’s face is large and presses into the skin. Common complaints also include skin lacerations from movement during the night.
Surgery
While some people can benefit from surgery, not everyone needs it nor can they afford it. Additionally, surgery only has about a 25 to 30 percent chance of success. Why shell out oodles of cash for something that has a good chance of failing?
Oral Appliances
You are probably thinking, “If CPAPs and surgery are expensive and are a lot of trouble, then what are my options?” We, at Herrick Family Dental, believe that mouthguards are the ideal option for treating sleep apnea. Mouthguards provide a cost-effective and more comfortable way to solve sleep apnea problems.
An effective oral appliance will reposition the jaw at night to allow proper air flow and improve your sleeping habits. The fitting is a simple operation, and within no time, we can have you out the door. It takes up to a week or two for the lab to make the appliance.
Each of these routes corrects poor airflow in one way or another. Unfortunately, there are many drawbacks with the more popular options.
Mouthguards are better than CPAP
By inserting a mouth piece into your mouth at night, you avoid all of the negatives of CPAP machines. You can actually get a good, comfortable night’s rest. There are literally no strings attached that make sleeping an unbearable chore.
Schedule an Appointment!
The benefits of a mouthguard appliance far outweigh the potential negatives that many people experience with CPAP machines. Schedule an appointment with us at Herrick Family Dental today by giving us a call. We will handle the rest and make sure you get the best possible care around!
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