Pelican Landing is the BestChoice for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Advanced Training in Sleep Apnea Therapy
Comfortable Alternative to CPAP
Improve Your Sleep, Health, & Life
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Apnea simply means the temporary absence of breath. There are two main types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central. Central sleep apnea is the rare form that is typically caused by malfunctions in the nervous system.
Far more common is obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is essentially caused by an over-relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep. As a result, airways constrict or collapse, preventing the lungs from taking in enough oxygen. This can happen as many as dozens of times per hour.
Why is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
Obstructive sleep apnea is dangerous because it causes a lack of oxygen in the body. Since the lungs are not fully oxygenating the blood, the heart must work overtime to compensate by pushing an increased volume of blood to other organs. Heart muscles are being placed at an extreme risk by being overworked while simultaneously being in an oxygen deficient environment. This may directly lead to a heart attack. In addition, sleep is adversely affected from these episodes. Concentration and awareness can be decreased which can reduce the quality of life.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is actually the progression of snoring. As a snorer ages, gains weight, or consumes alcohol, he or she has an ever-increasing risk of sleep apnea. As such, it is vital for snorers to be screened for sleep apnea, a service which we provide free of charge at Pelican Landing Dental. If given a positive screening test result, one should be properly evaluated by a sleep physician utilizing a sleep study. However, if you snore but do not have apnea, Pelican Landing Dental can fabricate you a comfortable “snore device” to end your snoring today. For those of us who do suffer from apnea, a different "apnea appliance" can be fabricated following a medical diagnosis. This diagnosis allows medical insurance to be billed for your apnea treatment.
The gold standard for sleep apnea treatment, particularly severe apnea, for years has been the CPAP. The CPAP (pictured) is a device worn over the face during sleep. This machine forces air into the upper airway en route to the lungs. This is made to overcome the obstruction and allow for adequate oxygen intake.
Although the CPAP is an effective treatment, it has one major drawback. Patients consistently report that the CPAP is uncomfortable and many people do not use it at all as a result. If not worn, no benefit can be derived.
For well over a decade now, dental treatment for sleep apnea has been recognized by the American Sleep Apnea Association and the FDA as the first recommended treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea (up to 29 breathing stoppages per hour). Most importantly, dental appliances are reported by most as being comfortable, and as a result, they are consistently worn!
Since the soft tissues in the throat create an obstruction to airflow, removing these obstructions is paramount in opening the airway and allowing optimal oxygen intake. A custom-made dental appliance gently holds the lower jaw in a forward position. This essentially prevents the throat muscles from collapsing and therefore holds the airway open.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Seeing a dentist for sleep apnea may not seem like an immediate connection to make. However, dentists are experts in the upper respiratory area. With obstructive sleep apnea, tissues from the mouth and neck can keep you from breathing well. Dentists can help you breathe better when you sleep by repositioning the jawbone to keep the tissues out of the airway. Also, you already meet with your dentist on a regular basis, so you don’t have to become established with anyone else.
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
No, not all people that snore have sleep apnea, and not all people with sleep apnea snore. However, one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is loud snoring, so snoring could be a sign that you are suffering from this condition. A sleep study is needed in order to diagnose this condition.
Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?
Just because you are showing symptoms doesn’t always mean that you have sleep apnea. Before sleep apnea can be treated, it’s important to know what your diagnosis is and which type of sleep apnea you have. Smart watches can help to keep track of your sleep, but they aren’t able to tell you whether you have sleep apnea or not. Instead, you need to undergo a sleep test.
What Does Sleep Apnea Look Like for Women?
Men tend to struggle with loud snoring and daytime fatigue when they have sleep apnea. However, women are more likely to struggle with insomnia, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms of the condition. Women who are pregnant, post-menopausal, or overweight are at a higher risk of experiencing obstructive sleep apnea.
Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
Some products, like weighted blankets, may help you to relax more, but treatments like oral appliances and CPAP therapy generally have a greater impact on the quality of your sleep. If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to address the actual problem by opening up the airway. This is what oral appliance therapy does by repositioning your jaw. Avoiding bright screens before bed and staying physically active during the day can also help you fall and stay asleep.
