Sleep Apnea - Nonsurgical OptionsSleep apnea is a serious condition that affects the quality of your sleep. When you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing for several seconds, multiple times throughout the course of the night. These pauses in breathing cause you to wake up, although you may not even be aware of it. Sleep apnea does more than just leave you feeling tired morning after morning. It can significantly interfere with your daily life. You may find it difficult to concentrate and control your emotions. You may fall asleep during the day, even while working or driving your car. Sleep apnea can also affect your physical health as well, leading to issues such as heart disease and diabetes. In many cases, sleep apnea can be treated without surgery. Dental Arts of Frederick is here to help. Weight LossThe severity of sleep apnea is often connected to weight. Patients who are obese are much more likely to suffer obstructive sleep apnea. Significant weight loss can help to alleviate sleep apnea in overweight and obese patients. In some cases, it can even help to eliminate sleep apnea. Weight loss can be achieved by eating healthier, consuming fewer calories, and exercising. Weight loss surgery may also be an option, but this type of surgery is often only recommended in severe cases. C-PAPA C-PAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, machine is a small machine that is designed to deliver a continuous stream of air through a small mask that is worn over your nose while you sleep. This airflow aids in keeping the airways from collapsing. Treatment with C-PAP is one of the most common non-surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. To be effective, however, it must be worn every time that you sleep. Oral Appliance TherapyOral appliance therapy is a treatment that involves wearing a night guard, or occlusal guard, while you sleep. We provide custom fit oral appliances, made from impressions taken of your mouth. This ensures a proper, comfortable fit. We also use the highest quality materials to ensure that your oral appliance lasts. An oral appliance resembles a mouthguard in appearance. It is made to be worn over your teeth while you sleep. The appliance works to hold your jaw in proper alignment, preventing the lower jaw from sliding back while you sleep. This keeps your tongue and other oral tissues from blocking your airway, allowing you to breathe while you sleep. Oral appliance therapy is generally more successful for patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea. Positional TherapyFor some patients, sleep apnea occurs simply because of the way they sleep. If you sleep on your back, your jaw is more likely to slide back, allowing your tongue and other oral tissues to fall into your airway. Changing sleep positions can help to make a big difference. If you find that you are rolling onto your back in the middle of the night, specially made pillows can be used to help prevent this from happening. If sleep apnea is affecting your quality of life, making it difficult for you to function, getting treatment is essential. For more information on non-surgical treatment options, call Dental Arts of Frederick today at 301-732-7277. |
HoursMonday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Providing prosthodontic and dental care in Frederick, Maryland, and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Washington DC. |
