Get Relief with Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, yet many are unaware they even have the condition. Sleep Apnea is a serious condition that negatively affects the quality of sleep and puts patients at risk for severe health conditions. While common, the condition often goes unnoticed until patients are made aware of their excessive snoring from a partner. The good news is that you can get relief from a simple oral appliance. At Pearl Dental Care in Hamden, Connecticut, we help many patients find relief from snoring and sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
While there are several different types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea is the one we most frequently come across. With obstructive sleep apnea, the patient’s airway becomes partially or fully blocked when the muscles in the back of the mouth collapse, prohibiting the ability to breathe normally. The abrupt stopping and starting of breathing cause the brain and other organs to be deprived of oxygen. The episodes also suddenly cause patients to awake, and normal breathing resumes. A person with sleep apnea can experience hundreds of these episodes every single night.
The negative impact of sleep apnea
Aside from daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea can have a profound impact on total wellness, increasing the risk of the following:
- Disruptive snoring
- Stress
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Failure
- Stroke
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Depression and Anxiety
- An increased threat of accidents due to fatigue
Diagnosing sleep apnea
If you have noticed that you wake up feeling completely exhausted or your partner has indicated that your snoring is frequently disrupting your sleep, it may be time for a sleep apnea evaluation. Your doctor will request a sleep study to be done at home or in a clinic to determine if you have sleep apnea.
Wake Up Feeling Rested and Refreshed with Sleep Apnea Treatment
Did you know your dentist in Hamden, CT, can help you with sleep apnea? We can create a custom oral appliance as an alternative to a CPAP machine to help you overcome obstructive sleep apnea. Schedule a consultation today.
Finding relief from sleep apnea
The most common treatment for sleep apnea in the past was a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. The machines are extremely effective at keeping the airway open to ensure that your body is not deprived of oxygen. The downside is the burden of using the device itself. CPAP machines can be bulky, requiring the use of a face mask that many patients find cumbersome to sleep with. The machine can also be loud, impacting your sleep or your partner’s. In the end, many patients discontinue using the CPAP machine and continue to suffer from the negative effects of sleep apnea.
From a dental perspective, we can offer a more comfortable alternative to the CPAP machine. Custom oral appliances can be just as effective at treating sleep apnea without the bulky, loud CPAP machine. Like a sports mouthguard, dental sleep apnea appliances keep the lower jaw positioned slightly forward to prevent the soft tissue from blocking the airway, allowing you to maintain normal breathing. The oral appliance is created specifically for your mouth from digital dental 3D cameras. The appliance has an adjustable track that allows the jaw protrusion to be increased or decreased.
The benefits of oral appliance therapy include the following:
- Keeps airway open without the need for a CPAP mask
- It is custom-made and adjustable
- It only needs to be worn at night while sleeping
- Does not make a loud noise
“Since wearing the sleep apnea appliance that Dr. Scott Pearl made me, I wake up more rested and I went from having 2 nightmares a week to just 1 in the last 3 months.”
– Linda, Pearl Dental Care patient
Upper and lower arches are connected via a metal hinge that protrudes the mandible forward.
Upper and lower arches are separate; Control of the lower jaw position is achieved by the adjustable ramps on the upper tray.
Frequently asked questions about Sleep Apnea
Why do I have sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea, impacting at least 9% of the population in the United States. OSA typically occurs when the airway is obstructed during sleep. This can be due to relaxed throat muscles, the position of your jaw, excess tissue, or even genetics. Lifestyle factors such as unhealthy weight, alcohol use, or smoking can also play a role.
How does sleep apnea affect my health?
Many patients are unaware of the impact of sleep apnea on their systemic health. Without proper treatment, sleep apnea increases the risk of several medical conditions, including:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- Depression
Chronic sleep deprivation also affects your mood, energy, and overall quality of life. The good news? Sleep apnea treatment in Hamden, CT, can help you feel like yourself again.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a consultation and a review of your symptoms. Your dentist will also assess your airway, including your jaws and tonsils. If we suspect sleep apnea, we’ll refer you to a sleep doctor for diagnosis.
Traditionally, this diagnosis meant spending a night at a sleep center. However, today, you have the option of an at-home sleep study. This test tracks your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns from the comfort of your home. Once diagnosed, we’ll provide a tailored treatment plan depending on the severity and cause of your sleep apnea.
Does treatment involve CPAP therapy?
Not always. While a CPAP machine is a common solution, it’s not the only option. A CPAP machine delivers pressurized air to the airway to keep it open. While effective, many patients find the device bulky, uncomfortable, and noisy. If you can’t tolerate CPAP therapy or want a more comfortable solution, your dentist may recommend a custom-made, adjustable oral appliance. This appliance repositions the jaw to keep the airway open. Many patients love oral appliance therapy because it’s comfortable, discreet, quiet, and easy to wear.
Can sleep apnea resolve itself?
Mild cases may improve with lifestyle changes like weight loss, better sleep habits, or changing sleep position. However, most cases require treatment to prevent ongoing health issues. Ignoring sleep apnea can make symptoms worse over time.
Does insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?
Your medical insurance plan may cover the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. However, the exact amount is subject to yearly maximums, co-pays, deductibles, and waiting periods. Our team will review your coverage and help you understand your options. We’ll also discuss financing with CareCredit, which lets you break the treatment cost into budget-friendly installments.
Where can I find a sleep apnea dentist in Hamden, CT?
Ready for sleep apnea treatment without a CPAP machine? Dial (203) 285-8245 and schedule an appointment with Pearl Dental Care. Let's help you restore your sleep, health, and quality of life.
