Sleep Apnea

Get Better Rest With Sleep Health Dentistry

Treatment For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Sleep apnea affects more than 26% of American adults, and many people who suffer from this condition have never been diagnosed. In the short term, it can cause snoring, low-quality sleep, and daytime drowsiness. And in the long term, untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of serious health problems like heart attack and stroke.

At Springs Village Dentistry, Dr. Benjamin Moore and Dr. Diana Molta are here to help with specialized sleep health dentistry in Holly Springs, NC. With oral appliance therapy (OAT) from our team, you can sleep peacefully, eliminate snoring, and protect your whole-body health, too.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA for short, is the most common form of sleep apnea. In this condition, the soft tissue of the mouth and throat sags into the airway during sleep. In turn, this prevents proper breathing. These interruptions in breathing usually last at least 10 seconds, and could happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, depending on the severity of the condition.

OSA is a serious health condition. In the short term, it prevents you from getting high-quality rest, causing issues like daytime drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. And in the long term, untreated sleep apnea can raise your risk of serious cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Recognizing The Signs Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Wondering if you have obstructive sleep apnea? There are a few common signs that usually affect people with OSA:

  • Loud snoring with periodic interruptions in breathing
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Waking up with a gasping or choking feeling at night
  • Sore throat when you wake up
  • Frequent headaches
  • Feeling very tired even after 8+ hours of sleep
  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Inability to focus or concentrate
  • Irritability and mood changes/swings
  • A decrease in your libido (sex drive)

If you recognize several of these signs, you may have sleep apnea. For an official diagnosis, you will need to see a physician or a sleep specialist for a sleep study. This will help your healthcare provider determine whether or not you have sleep apnea, understand its severity, and choose the best option for treating your condition. 

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) For Sleep Apnea

At Springs Village Dentistry, Dr. Moore and Dr. Molta can provide oral appliance therapy (OAT) for sleep apnea. This treatment is suitable for most people who have sleep apnea and is a great alternative to other treatments like CPAP machines.

An oral appliance uses two mouthguards that are custom-fitted to your teeth and are connected with a piece of metal. When worn at night, the oral appliance shifts your lower jaw forward. This opens up your airway and prevents soft tissue from sagging and blocking your ability to breathe.

The benefits of oral appliance therapy

  • Simple and convenient – Unlike a CPAP machine, oral appliances require no power to treat sleep apnea. They are also very small and easy to transport, making them more convenient if you travel often.
  • Easy care – Unlike with CPAP machines, there’s no need for complex maintenance. Just make sure you rinse and clean your oral appliance in the morning to prevent bacterial buildup.
  • Get better rest at night – By preventing sleep apnea events, OAT allows you to breathe normally and get higher-quality sleep without interruptions or low blood oxygenation. You’ll wake up feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to take on the day.

  • Prevent snoring, too – Along with treating sleep apnea, OAT helps with snoring. This can help your sleeping partner get higher-quality rest, too!

  • Prevent long-term health complications – By ensuring you can breathe properly at night, OAT reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications related to untreated sleep apnea.

Contact Springs Village Dentistry For Help With Sleep Apnea

With oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea from Dr. Moore and Dr. Molta, you can reduce snoring, enjoy higher-quality sleep, and reduce your risk of serious health complications, too. If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and would like to explore your alternatives to traditional CPAP machines, give us a call at (919) 825-3131 or contact our team online to book your first visit at Springs Village Dentistry.

What are the common signs and symptoms I should be aware of?

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, some of the most common signs include loud snoring, stopping breathing while asleep, gasping for air during sleep, dry mouth on waking, morning headaches, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), and mood changes. It’s important to talk with your doctor and/or dentist if you believe you may suffer from sleep apnea.

Can sleep apnea be cured, or is it a manageable condition?

Yes! In many cases, sleep apnea can be either cured or managed depending on the root cause of the disorder. If you’re curious about the options available to you, call our office to schedule your consultation.

Will sleep apnea treatment need to be continued for life?

Many who receive sleep apnea treatment are lifelong patients. The root cause of your sleep apnea will often dictate treatment options and how long you can expect to continue treatment for sleep apnea.

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