How Can My Dentist Help with OSA Treatment?

OSA treatment is for anyone dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. OSA stands for obstructive sleep apnea, which is a serious health issue that can have a significant impact on a person's health. It leads to interruptions of a person's breathing during sleep due to their airways getting blocked. These interruptions lead to the person waking up momentarily as their body restores normal breathing. The more of these interruptions a patient has each night, the more severe their condition is, and the harder it is for them to get quality rest.

Sleep apnea typically leads to symptoms like:

  • Headaches in the morning
  • Feeling fatigued
  • An inability to concentrate
  • Mood swings
  • Insomnia

Dealing with such symptoms on a regular basis can make it difficult to get through each day. The most common way to manage OSA is by using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask. However, not all patients with sleep apnea are fond of this type of therapy. Complaints like skin irritation, dry airways, claustrophobia and the mask coming off during sleep are quite common. Many of these people can benefit by combining or alternating their treatment with the use of a dental appliance for sleep apnea.

When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

OSA treatment with oral appliances

The oral devices used to treat sleep apnea work by keeping the wearer's jaw and tongue properly positioned while they sleep. Some get this done by keeping the person's jaw in a slightly forward and downward position, while others work by holding the tongue in place, preventing it from blocking the airways.

How a dentist helps with sleep apnea

Appliances used by dentists to deal with sleep apnea include a tongue-retaining device and a mandibular repositioning device. These devices are typically made out of acrylic, and they are worn in the mouth much like a mouthguard is. There are a few variations of these devices that can be worn around the chin and head.

Oral appliances are typically recommended if the patient only has mild to moderate sleep apnea. Patients who are considering getting one of these appliances should get a customized one from a dentist. This ensures a proper fit and reduces problems that can arise from wearing an oral appliance that does not fit properly, such as nausea, damage to the jaw and soreness.

The benefits of using an oral appliance to address sleep apnea include:

  • Oral appliances do not dry out the airways like CPAP can
  • There is usually no equipment the patient can tangle up or knock-off during sleep
  • Oral appliances are a lot easier to travel with

We can help you manage sleep apnea

Anyone who has sleep apnea can benefit from an oral appliance even if they are already undergoing CPAP therapy. Contact our clinic today to learn more about how oral appliances help with the condition.

Request an appointment here: https://stonecanyondental.com or call Stone Canyon Dental at (972) 996-3191 for an appointment in our Sunnyvale office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

What You Need To Know About Implant-Supported Dentures

Curious about implant-supported dentures? Read on to learn more about this tooth-replacement option. If you are missing many teeth or perhaps a whole arch, implant-supported dentures are a great solution. Patients may eat and talk with more assurance since they are more secure and pleasant than conventional dentures. Yet, dental implant-supported dentures need considerable thought…

5 Tips On How To Adjust To Life With Dentures

Dentures may completely transform the quality of life for someone who has been lacking teeth by giving them back both their smile and their self-esteem. Nonetheless, it may take some time and persistence for dentures to feel natural. Read on for some helpful tips for getting used to your new dentures.When several teeth need replacement,…

How Long Is The Process For Placing Implant Crowns?

If someone is looking for an alternative to placing new dental implants, they may be interested in one of the newest procedures on the market—implant crowns. If a patient chooses to go this route, there are some factors to consider before committing to the procedure, including how long it will take to place the crown…

3 Signs You Need Your Dentures Relined

The need for relining your dentures may not occur to you because of your busy schedule. But being aware of it can help you get relining services in time. Relining these restorations can help maintain your oral health and prevent discomfort. Here are the three signs you need to get relining services right away. Inspecting…

Recent Posts

What You Need To Know About Implant Supported Dentures

What You Need To Know About Implant-Supported Dentures

Curious about implant-supported dentures? Read on to learn more about this tooth-replacement option. If you are missing many teeth or perhaps a whole arch, implant-supported dentures are a great solution. Patients may eat and talk with more assurance since they are more secure and pleasant than conventional dentures. Yet, dental implant-supported dentures need considerable thought…

Tips On How To Adjust To Life With Dentures

5 Tips On How To Adjust To Life With Dentures

Dentures may completely transform the quality of life for someone who has been lacking teeth by giving them back both their smile and their self-esteem. Nonetheless, it may take some time and persistence for dentures to feel natural. Read on for some helpful tips for getting used to your new dentures.When several teeth need replacement,…

HOURS: MON 8AM-5PM TUES 8AM-4PM WED 8AM-4PM THURS 8AM-4PM FRI 8AM – NOON