When you come to Ponderosa Dental Group, you aren’t only getting great dental care and a beautiful smile, but also treatment that improves your overall well-being. That includes a better night’s sleep so you can get the restorative rest needed for a more enjoyable and productive day!
But how does dentistry help with a good night’s rest? Thanks to our office being equipped with some of the most advanced orthodontic technology available, we are able to create personalized appliances that correct obstructive sleep apnea.
Say goodbye to restless nights and low-energy days. Give our office a call and schedule your sleep apnea consultation right away!
What is Sleep Apnea?
There are several types of sleep apnea, but the most common is the kind that we treat: obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder is caused when airflow is disrupted while you sleep; tongue placement, jaw position, or even the softening of the palette can factor into this.
With your airflow lowering or obstructed while you’re asleep, your body will take subconscious measures to alert you or even force you out of the deepest part of the sleep cycle (known as REM sleep). This prevents you from getting the rejuvenating benefits of sleep that support a healthy body and mind.
Is Sleep Apnea a Health Concern?
Many studies suggest that over 30 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea but 80% are left undiagnosed. This is very concerning as poor sleep directly contributes to a series of health concerns.
Patients with sleep apnea are at an increased risk of:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Depression
Signs You Have Sleep Apnea
Everyone has a bad night’s sleep every now and again; noisy neighbors, having a coffee a little too late, or even work-related stress can cause us to toss and turn all night. But if you are finding yourself unable to get proper rest most nights or becoming overly dependent on sugary or highly caffeinated drinks to get through your day, sleep apnea may be the culprit.
Here are five of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea. If you aren’t getting proper rest and these conditions apply, contact our office for a consultation.
- Loud Snoring: Does your snoring keep others awake? Does it wake you up throughout the night? Loud snoring may be caused by an obstruction of your breathing.
- Fatigue: Your brain may wake you up several times throughout the night to jump-start your breathing. This can cause you to feel tired and fatigued all throughout the day, no matter how many total hours you sleep.
- Depression: Depression has been linked to a lack of good, uninterrupted sleep time.
- Falling Asleep While Driving: Do you find yourself nodding off while you drive? This, too, is a sign of sleep apnea!
- Headaches: A common sign of sleep apnea is constant and recurring headaches. This is usually due to lower oxygen levels in the brain while sleeping.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Solutions
Sleep apnea may feel overwhelming, but there is good news! There are successful treatments available to you to help fight the effects of sleep apnea. At Ponderosa Dental Group, we offer the use of oral appliances.
What Are Oral Appliances?
An oral appliance is a dental sleep device that holds your jaw in a good position while you sleep to keep your airways open. These devices look similar to mouthguards and slip into place before you sleep. Like mouthguards, they are customized to fit your teeth and jaw. We also make mandibular advancement devices that move your lower jaw forward while you sleep to open your airway and prevent snoring. These help you and your partner sleep better.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Feeling ready to face the day is just one of the great benefits of addressing sleep apnea. Others include:
- Lower Health Risks: Treating sleep apnea helps reduce your risk of:
- Lose Weight: Many patients lose weight after they begin sleep apnea treatment.
- No More Snoring: Patients report little to no snoring once treatment begins.
- More Energy: A full night’s uninterrupted rest helps keep you energized and awake throughout the day.
How Do I Get Treatment?
The first step is to make sure you have sleep apnea. You will need to undergo a sleep study. You can go to a sleep clinic or use a take-home kit. We will discuss those options with you. Once your results are in, we can take dental images, which are used to create your oral appliance.
Don’t Sleep on Sleep Apnea Treatment—Call Us Today!
At Ponderosa Dental Group, we know sleep apnea is scary, but there is hope! With treatment, you can conquer sleep apnea. Take the first step—call for your appointment today!