Simple, Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea can have significant effects on your daily life and long-term health. If you suffer from this condition, your breathing stops multiple times while you sleep, meaning you are never able to get the complete night’s rest your body needs. At Leading Dental Solutions, Dr. David Kaffey offers effective, non-invasive sleep apnea treatment to our patients in Lansdale and the surrounding areas. We work with local sleep specialists and provide comfortable, customized oral appliances for non-invasive treatment. To learn more about sleep apnea and your treatment options, contact Leading Dental Solutions today.
What is Sleep Apnea?
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Although CSA can be quite serious, it is far less common and requires neurological care. OSA occurs when your soft palate and tongue collapse as you sleep, blocking your airway. Each time your breathing stops, you will wake up, although you may not be aware each time it happens. In addition, you may snore loudly. Other symptoms of this type of sleep apnea include:
- Awakening suddenly in the night, often with a sharp gasp
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritability and mood swings
- Forgetfulness
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Dry mouth
If you suffer from one or more sleep apnea symptoms, your dentist can refer you to a local sleep specialist. Typically, the specialist will conduct an at-home sleep test, which will monitor your heart rate, oxygen absorption, breathing rhythm, and air flow. In severe cases, the specialist may want to test you at an overnight sleep lab.
How We Treat Sleep Apnea
If you are found to be suffering from mild to moderate OSA, our doctors can provide you with gentle, non-invasive treatment. Many practitioners treat this condition with a continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) device. These types of machines feature a mask that fits over your mouth and nose, which emits a steady stream of air to keep your airways open and regulate breathing. However, for many patients, CPAP devices can be cumbersome and awkward.
For more comfortable, hassle-free treatment, we offer CPAP alternatives. Our treatment options include the TAP® 3 Elite mouthpiece and the SomnoDent® oral sleep appliance. These custom-made devices rest over your upper and lower teeth. By gently pushing your lower jaw forward, the mouthpieces tighten the soft oral tissues and prevent them from collapsing during sleep. These devices are comfortable and convenient. Most importantly, they have proven immensely helpful in the treatment of OSA.
The Importance of Treating Your Symptoms
If you are suffering from symptoms of sleep apnea, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. With our effective care, you could enjoy a full night’s rest, as well as relief from restlessness, irritability, and other day-to-day effects of OSA. Furthermore, sleep apnea has been linked to several serious health conditions, including heart failure, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and more. It turns out a simple, comfortable oral appliance could be the key to better health.
Take the First Steps towards a Better Night’s Sleep
If you suspect you may suffer from sleep apnea, reach out to us today. Contact our office to book your initial consultation at our practice.
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