Do you experience snoring, waking up feeling unrefreshed, or severe daytime fatigue? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects millions of people. At Acre Wood Dental in Waco, TX, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve better sleep and improve their overall health through effective dental solutions for sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing, known as apneas, can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur many times throughout the night.
The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). With OSA, the upper airway becomes at least partially or completely blocked during sleep. This blockage typically occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat relax, collapsing and obstructing the airflow. When breathing stops, your brain briefly wakes you up to restart breathing, often with a gasp or snore, though you may not remember these awakenings.
When left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to a range of more serious health issues, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Increased risk of stroke
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Diabetes
- Daytime fatigue, leading to impaired concentration and increased risk of accidents
- Irritability and mood disturbances
- Decreased quality of life
Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea: Oral Appliance Therapy
While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are a common treatment for sleep apnea, dental treatment offers a non-invasive and highly effective alternative or complementary solution for many patients, particularly those with mild to moderate OSA or those who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Our primary dental treatment for sleep apnea involves the use of custom-designed oral appliances. Sleep apnea mouthguards work by:
- Opening the airway. The custom mouthpiece gently repositions the lower jaw and/or tongue forward. This action helps to keep the upper airway open during sleep, preventing the collapse of soft tissues that cause blockages.
- Properly positioning the tongue. By holding the jaw in a forward position, the tongue is also kept from falling back and obstructing the airway.
- Helping to reduce snoring. By maintaining an open airway, these oral appliances can significantly reduce or even eliminate snoring, leading to quieter nights for both the patient and their sleep partner.
- Improving sleep quality. With consistent, unobstructed breathing, patients experience deeper, more restorative sleep, leading to increased energy and alertness during the day.
Custom Sleep Apnea Mouthguards at Acre Wood Dental
At Acre Wood Dental, our doctors specialize in creating custom oral appliances for sleep apnea. This removable mouthpiece will be worn during sleep to treat sleep apnea. In some cases, the oral appliance can be used in combination with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine prescribed by your doctor.
Ready for a better night’s rest? Schedule your consultation for sleep apnea treatment at Acre Wood Dental today!
