Sleep Apnea Treatment in Spring Lake, NC
Looking for a dental practice in Spring Lake that offers custom oral appliances for sleep apnea? Spring Lake Oral Surgery offers durable, custom appliances that are very effective and comfortable to wear for hours at a time. To learn more about our sleep apnea services or schedule a consultation with our team, please contact us!
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common yet potentially serious sleep disorder. It’s characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep patterns and decreased oxygen levels in the body. OSA, the more prevalent type, occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing a temporary blockage of the airway. When the airway is frequently blocked during sleep, patients have to wake up just enough to begin breathing again, which leads to a very poor quality of sleep and a variety of symptoms.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Wondering if you might have sleep apnea? Recognizing the signs is crucial. Common symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating. If you frequently wake up during the night choking or gasping for air or wake up in the morning with a dry mouth or sore throat, that can indicate that apnea episodes are regularly occurring as well. The only way to officially diagnose sleep apnea is by scheduling a sleep study with a qualified sleep specialist, which we recommend patients do if they experience many or all of these symptoms.
How can an oral appliance from a dentist be used to treat sleep apnea?
Our custom oral appliances for sleep apnea are designed to fit precisely over your teeth. They work by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to prevent the airway from collapsing during sleep, effectively improving airflow and reducing apnea episodes. Using an oral appliance offers several advantages; it’s a non-invasive and portable solution, making it an attractive alternative for those who find CPAP machines cumbersome. Additionally, oral appliances are well-tolerated and convenient for travel, which helps ensure consistent treatment.
Interested in learning more about our custom appliances for sleep apnea? Please contact us!