Wake up to easy, effective sleep apnea treatment: FAQs about oral appliances at the dentist’s office
The office of Chase Patton, DDS, is your family’s “home” for all things oral health. However, our complete services are more than supporting healthy, attractive teeth. Our Columbia, Missouri, team also provides professional care for tissues supporting teeth. We are mindful of the many conditions that originate from the mouth and jaws and the far-reaching effects these conditions can have on the rest of your body and well-being. So, it is unsurprising that Dr. Patton also provides effective sleep apnea treatment, a hassle-free alternative to traditional therapies (like the CPAP machine).
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a group of disorders characterized by disordered breathing when individuals with it are sleeping. The most common type of sleep apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, generally arises when relaxed tissues in the throat block the airway. Sleep and breathing can be interrupted hundreds of times each night. As you might imagine, these interruptions in breathing and the resulting chronic lack of sleep are quite serious, and they require appropriate and prompt treatment to avoid further complications.
What are some of those complications?
Lack of sleep and persistent fatigue can increase the risk of road and workplace accidents. When airflow is impeded, your body’s tissues do not get the oxygen they need. This can take a tremendous toll on your body’s organs, and OSA is associated with many serious conditions, from diabetes to cardiovascular disease.
Could I have sleep apnea?
Very loud, disruptive, and ongoing snoring often accompanies sleep apnea. Dr. Patton may notice or discuss other potential trouble signs during regular exams with you. These include frequent dry mouth, sore throat, and headaches. Patients with sleep apnea may also complain about being exhausted even when they set aside a healthy eight-plus hour for sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious condition. So, it does require professional evaluation.
How do you treat sleep apnea?
We are proud to provide therapeutic oral appliances through ProSomnus® Sleep Technologies. These devices are custom-fit to your mouth. You slip them in and over your teeth. They gently hold the lower jaw forward. By repositioning the jaw, the airway remains open when the tissues in the throat slacken. Our patients can sleep soundly and breathe healthily and uninterruptedly through the night. They are also easy to wear and maintain and are a great alternative to bulky and loud CPAP therapy for the right patients.
Is oral appliance therapy right for me?
It may be! The ProSomnus® appliances are also appropriate for patients who habitually snore and do not have sleep apnea. Members of your household will thank you for taking the steps to address your snoring. To start the process today, schedule a consultation at Chase Patton, DDS, by calling our team in Columbia, MD, at (573) 875-7040.