Given the amount of stress, uncertainty, and sensory stimulation confronting you daily, it isn’t surprising if you experience sleeplessness, either on an occasional or a chronic basis. According to the American Sleep Apnea Foundation, 30 million adults in the U.S. are living with sleep apnea, but more than 80% are unaware they have this condition.
Minor sleep loss can hinder daily functioning, affect mood and energy, and impact your ability to handle stress. If you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the team at Troy Family Dental of Illinois has expertise in treating sleep apnea with appliance therapy. You can schedule a complimentary consultation to determine if a sleep appliance in Troy, IL, is the right option.
We offer sedation dentistry services customized to your unique level of dental fear to minimize your anxiety and worry.
If you have OSA, you may be unaware you’re having issues breathing while you sleep; if you do, you can’t judge the severity of the problem. In most cases, a temporary pause in breathing is tied to tissue in the back of your throat relaxing and collapsing. Reduction of airflow directs your brain to awaken you and resume breathing, typically with a loud gasp or body jerk.
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of OSA. Fat deposits in the neck, tongue, and upper belly reduce the diameter of the throat and push against the lungs, contributing to airway collapse during sleep. Large tonsils or adenoids and smaller airways can contribute to disordered breathing during sleep, especially in children.
Numerous studies have linked various physical and mental health consequences to sleep apnea, and sleep partners also suffer some consequences. Interrupted deep sleep can negatively influence your mood, health, and energy and lead to daytime drowsiness. The combined stress and fatigue may cause loss of concentration, memory impairment, motor vehicle accidents, and work mishaps.
Sleep apnea is also associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic issues, Type 2 diabetes, depression, and a shortened lifespan. Sleep apnea disrupts how your body takes in oxygen, thereby making it more difficult for your brain to control how blood flows in your arteries and brain.
While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is recommended for more severe cases of sleep apnea, common complaints include its bulky size and loud noise, ongoing maintenance, and embarrassment using it. And the mask itself can cause discomfort, dry mouth, skin irritation, nasal congestion, claustrophobia, trouble falling asleep, and even nightmares. Oral appliances can be an effective alternative when custom-made, while weight loss, exercise, and physical or positional therapy can help to some degree.
Studies indicate about one-third of patients treated with oral appliance therapy experience complete resolution of OSA symptoms, while an additional one-third experience a 50% or greater decrease in symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA, we have the expertise to treat sleep apnea in Troy, IL, so you can get the restful sleep you deserve!
A customized oral appliance resembling a sports mouth guard alleviates sleep apnea by holding your lower jaw slightly forward, preventing soft tissues from blocking your airway. The first step involves taking impressions of your teeth to ensure your mouth guard fits firmly and correctly. A convenient, comfortable, and portable sleep apnea appliance from Troy Family Dental can reduce or eliminate snoring, improve sleep quality, boost energy, and increase your daytime alertness!
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I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.
