WHY DO I NEED A DENTIST IN LAWRENCEBURG FOR SLEEP APNEA THERAPY?
Recently, you have probably seen quite a few dentists offering treatment for sleep apnea. This might have left you a bit confused as to why a dentist offers treatment for a medical condition? Now, dentists play an invaluable role in the effective treatment of the condition. With the use of a custom-fit oral appliance, mild to moderate cases of the disorder can be treated without the need for a CPAP machine. The only way to get an oral appliance is through a dentist. Dr. Brian Oyler is a dentist in Lawrenceburg who offers the appliances for effective treatment.
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects roughly 25 million Americans. However, it is estimated that most of those with the condition remain undiagnosed. A leading reason many are not aware they have the condition is due to the wide range of symptoms the sleep disorder causes.
The most common form of the disorder is obstructive sleep apnea, which results when an obstruction in the airway causes numerous pauses in breathing frequently while sleeping. As the airways collapse, it causes loud chronic snoring. It is not uncommon to wake with morning headaches, a sore throat, or suffer from daytime fatigue. However, the complications of untreated sleep apnea are more severe.
If the condition is not treated, the lack of oxygen levels takes a toll on the heart, increasing your risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Over time, poor sleep quality can lead to sleep deprivation. This decreases your quality of life as mood swings, depression, and irritability occur.
To protect your health and quality of life, you need to treat the condition, which will require a trip to your dentist. In the past, the only treatment for the condition involved the use of a CPAP machine. This machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask that is worn over the mouth or nose to keep the airways open. While it is effective, is comes with many disadvantages, causing many people not to use the machine.
To resolve the disadvantages of a CPAP machine, oral appliances were developed. An oral appliance is similar to a mouthguard. However, it does not protect the teeth. Instead, the custom-fit device repositions the jaw forward. This keeps the airway open to prevent pauses in breathing.
Since the device must be custom-fit for your individual needs, you will need the care of a dentist. Your dentist will work closely with your physician to create an appliance that effectively treats your sleep apnea.
Dr. Oyler offers an array of oral appliances, including those needed to treat sleep apnea. This alternative treatment provides you with added freedom and comfort so you are more likely to abide by your treatment plan. As a result, you will protect your health and improve your quality of life.
If you are ready to sleep better and breathe easier, schedule a consultation today for sleep apnea therapy.
We look forward to meeting you. Call (812) 537-4272 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.