Sleep Apnea Treatment in Southampton
Churchville Dentist
A full night’s sleep is essential to your overall health. When well rested, you feel better and can function at your best. According to statistics, approximately 25 million adults in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and more than three times that number are chronic snorers.
At the office of Churchville Dental, we provide care to address sleep-related breathing disorders so you can enjoy a safer, uninterrupted night’s sleep.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder involving repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the airway becomes blocked and restricts airflow. During sleep, relaxed throat and mouth muscles can collapse into the airway, limiting oxygen intake and disrupting normal breathing patterns.
Beyond loud and disruptive snoring, obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with a range of health issues, including depression, diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.
What are the signs & symptoms of sleep apnea?
Common symptoms include loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation, abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and poor sleep quality.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
A sleep study conducted by a physician can determine the presence and severity of sleep apnea. The results of this study, along with other medical findings, guide the recommended treatment approach.
What is the treatment for sleep apnea?
One common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, which delivers a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.
Oral appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea
Oral appliance therapy is often prescribed for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or chronic snoring. Worn like a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer, the appliance helps reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway collapse. It can also reduce or eliminate snoring.
With multiple designs available, the appliance selected is customized to your unique anatomy and treatment needs to reduce apnea events, hypopneas, and snoring. If snoring is your primary concern, you may also benefit from our care for snoring appliances.
Custom oral appliances, skilled and experienced care
When it comes to dental sleep medicine, you can rely on our office for experienced, personalized care. Each appliance is carefully designed using precise impressions and a comprehensive evaluation of your oral anatomy. We also work closely with your sleep physician to ensure that the chosen treatment is safe and effective.
Beyond fabrication and fitting, we provide ongoing monitoring and adjustments to optimize treatment effectiveness while maintaining your oral health and comfort.
Did you know that many individuals with sleep apnea are unaware they have it? If you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms, contact our office today to learn more.