The first thing that comes to your mind when thinking of your dentist, is probably not sleeping. In particular, the treating of sleep apnea. If you or someone you know suffers from this, North Dallas Denture Center can help.
What is Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that interrupts your sleep. During the night, you stop breathing. The lack of oxygen causes you to jerk awake.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There is more than one form of the disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea is most often the diagnosis. Breathing is interrupted by partial or full blockage from the tongue or throat tissue.
The obstruction puts extra stress on your lungs and diaphragm. It can take anywhere from a few seconds to many minutes for you to begin breathing again.
Treatment Options
Once you or someone you love has been diagnosed, it is time to look at treatment options. Many people are prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
What is a CPAP Machine
If you’ve ever known anyone that has been seen for sleep apnea, you might have heard CPAP referenced. The patient must wear a mask over their mouth and nose at night. The machine blows a steady stream of air down the patient’s throat.
With the use of this device, the airways stay open while you are resting. It can be a successful treatment option if the patient wears the mask.
Side Effects of Using the Machine
While many people are prescribed a mask, not everyone can tolerate it. There are some things to think about when choosing this option.
Due to the constant flow of air, many people complain that their throat and mouth become too dry. The amount of air can also cause chest pain or bloating in the stomach. One of the biggest complaints is that it is not comfortable to sleep in.
What if I Need a CPAP Alternative
Not everyone can successfully treat their problem with use of the machine. When a person doesn’t use the machine like it is intended, they will continue to have breathing problems at night.
Many people need a CPAP mask alternative. For those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, there is another option.
Sleep Apnea Dental Device
The alternative option is the use of a dental device. A mouth guard is worn while sleeping at night. Depending on the one you wear, it will do one of two functions.
One type brings the tongue forward. In turn brings the jaw comes forward unintentionally. The other type uses the upper jaw as an anchor. It brings the lower jaw forward. Since it is connected to the tongue, it keeps the tongue out of the throat.
The tongue is connected to the soft palate. As it is brought forward, it keeps the tissue out of the back of the throat. Either of these dental appliances work as a treatment option.
How Can North Dallas Denture Center Help
Dr. Jason Roe is a sleep apnea dentist in Dallas. He offers two different appliances. During your appointment, the guard will be fitted to the unique shape of your mouth.
One device we carry is SomnoDent. It is manufactured by SomnoMed. The other is the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP).
Depending on your particular needs, we will prescribe the right one for you. Please feel free to schedule a consultation appointment to discuss your options.
What Else Can the Dental Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard Treat
Even if you do not suffer from this disorder, a mouth guard has other uses. This type of oral appliance can also stop you from snoring. Loud snoring can be very disruptive to your bed partner.
A dental guard can also reduce headaches. If you routinely wake up with a headache or experience them throughout the day, this might be the treatment option for you.
Please contact us today if you are in need of an alternative to CPAP machine in Dallas. Also, if you need to treat loud snoring or daytime headaches, we can treat that as well. It is our pleasure to help you sleep more comfortably at night.
