There are several treatment options available for patients with sleep apnea. For some, CPAP machines may be an ideal solution, although more patients are using dental appliances in place of their CPAP machines. The following is a review of available treatment options for sleep apnea and how to choose the one that works best.
Two common treatment options for sleep apnea are CPAP machines and mandibular advancement devices. By understanding both options and when one might be preferable to another, you can make the most informed decision possible and find relief from your sleep apnea symptoms.
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP machine keeps the airway in the back of the throat open by providing constant air pressure to the throat. There are two parts to a CPAP machine: the mask and chin strap combination and the tank, which serves as a filter and humidifier to ensure that the user is breathing in clean air. CPAP machines are effective in treating most cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but many people become frustrated with the complexity of them, reporting that they are uncomfortable and hard to travel with.
Mandibular advancement devices, which are worn in the mouth like a mouthpiece, work by holding the jaw or tongue in the ideal position to ensure that the user’s airway does not collapse while they are asleep. Many people prefer this because they feel that it is more comfortable and easier to use than a CPAP machine. Mandibular advancement devices are effective for many cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
Surgery is also a treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea, although most patients and dentists prefer to try less invasive methods first, such as oral appliances. For central sleep apnea (CSA), medication may be the best option.
The best way to determine which oral appliance or alternative treatment solution is right for you is to visit with a dentist who treats sleep apnea. They can discuss your symptoms and further explain the pros and cons of each available option. They may recommend a CPAP or create a custom-made oral appliance for you to wear like a mouthguard.
No one should have to struggle through life dealing with the symptoms of sleep apnea. Anyone who has trouble staying asleep through the night, wakes up with headaches or feels fatigued throughout the day due to sleep deprivation should visit with a dentist to determine if sleep apnea treatment can help.
Our dental team can help you decide on the best method of sleep apnea treatment. We offer oral appliances and can put together a custom-tailored treatment plan to relieve your sleep apnea symptoms. Call us or send us an email today to get the sleep apnea treatment process started.
Request an appointment here: https://www.communitysmilesnc.com or call Community Smiles at (919) 913-9075 for an appointment in our Chapel Hill office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Do I Have Sleep Apnea in Chapel Hill, NC.
Snoring can be an embarrassing problem that affects both your and your partner's sleep quality at night. Fortunately, there are many simple snoring treatment without resorting to surgery or other invasive measures. Using a treatment device, such as a mouth guard or nasal strips, is a great way to block off your airways so they…
Dental oral appliances, also called mandibular advancement devices, can often treat sleep apnea and relieve symptoms. Understanding more about how dental oral appliances work for sleep apnea treatment and how they compare to other treatment solutions can help you decide if treatment is right for you. The days of relying upon your CPAP machine to treat…
Sleep apnea and dentistry have a lot of crossover that many are surprised to hear. The oral cavity is often what causes sleep apnea, which makes a dentist an expert at detecting, diagnosing and treating this common condition. Without treatment, patients are at risk of loss of oxygen and long-term damage to the oral cavity.…
Have you chipped a tooth? Read on to learn about the importance of prompt treatment for chipped teeth. You need to reach out to a dental office immediately if you have a chipped tooth. Otherwise, the issue might worsen over time and become more serious. The dentist will examine the tooth and recommend restorative treatment…
You need to reach out to a dental office immediately if you have a chipped…
Many people do not consider snoring to be a serious health problem, but it can…
Visiting a new dental office is a great way to take charge of your oral…
A root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent you from needing a replacement,…
Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that few look forward to; however, it is often…
Seeing a family dentist for a cavity treatment can target the problem teeth right away…
