You Can Finally Rest Easy with Sleep Apnea Treatment By Asking Your Dentist These Simple Questions

People with sleep apnea rarely enjoy the benefits of a good night’s rest and often experience several symptoms that impact their health and daily lives. A few symptoms that usually indicate a severe underlying condition can include:

• Mood changes and irritability
• Chronic fatigue
• Chronic headaches
• Frequent hoarseness and sore throats
• Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)
• Impaired cognitive functions such as memory
• Dry mouth

While being tired during the day can increase a person’s risk of accidents either on the job or on the road, obstructive sleep apnea also puts a great deal of strain on several organs, including the heart.

Those with OSA may have a snore that’s particularly loud and disruptive, in some cases powerful enough to vibrate the bed. Another common symptom for those suffering from OSA is constant pauses in their breathing while they sleep, which is the most dangerous symptom.

This can be a very scary situation as these episodes can occur many times per hour and last ten seconds or more during each occurrence. While ten seconds may not seem that long, dozens of episodes per night can add up to serious oxygen deprivation, which has been linked to numerous serious health conditions such as atrial fibrillation (Afib), heart attacks, and strokes.

In 2006, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine noted how dentists play a crucial role in treating mild to moderate cases of sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. By obtaining an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Lamothe and his team can develop an effective treatment plan to help alleviate or resolve conditions and symptoms associated with sleep apnea.

Treatment plans are based on several factors. First, we determine if a person has sleep apnea and then identify the type of sleep apnea and its severity. There are several options available to treat those diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe sleep apnea, such as:

• QuietNite Laser Treatment: CO2 Laser application to shrink the soft tissue in the oropharynx, stopping the tissue vibration and stopping the snoring.
• CPAP: Usually prescribed by a physician, this device applies positive air pressure into your airway to keep it open and allow air to pass through.
• Therapy using an oral appliance: This treatment includes custom-made oral appliances like mandibular advancement devices that can reposition the jaw to adjust specific tissues so they no longer obstruct your airway as you sleep.
• VIVOS Care Appliance: The Vivos system is a nonsurgical treatment method that uses a Vivos mouth appliance, such as the DNA appliance. 

The DNA appliance looks like a retainer. It is a custom-fitted device that gently alters the position and shape of your lower jaw and hard palate, similar to how braces alter the position of your teeth over time. As your palate widens and your jaw moves forward, your upper airway will have more space. This will enable you to breathe easily at night and relieve your obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, or TMJ dysfunction. 

During the course of your treatment, you will wear the DNA appliance for 12-18 months. Once your treatment is complete, you will no longer need to wear the Vivos DNA appliance.

Contact Smyrna Dental & Headache Center today at (678) 374-3764 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lamothe and begin your journey to a better night’s rest. Our office is at 3246 Atlanta Rd SE, Suite B, Smyrna, GA 30080.