Have you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea? This condition can affect your ability to breathe while asleep. Dentists Dr. Robert Neighbors and Dr. Brian Herod can help you determine if sleep apnea appliances could help you get a better night’s rest.
Contact us in Midlothian, VA to set up an appointment.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder that impedes the flow of oxygen in the airways during sleep. This leads to episodes of choking, snorting, and loud snoring, which can interrupt a person’s sleep dozens of times an hour.
Many people with obstructive sleep apnea do not realize how helpful a dentist can be in offering a solution. However, dentists can serve as excellent healthcare partners by prescribing sleep apnea appliances.
What Are Sleep Apnea Appliances?
Sleep apnea appliances look a lot like mouth guards. They are custom-fit to your mouth to reposition your jaw while you sleep. This change in position will make you less apt to stop breathing because of an obstructed airway.
Because they are small, portable, and individualized for your needs, sleep apnea dental appliances are well-tolerated by most patients. Plus, they are comfortable to wear.
Advantages of a Sleep Apnea Appliance
People who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea rarely get the rest they need to power through the day. A sleep apnea appliance can reverse that trend and allow them to feel better rested in the morning. In some cases, sleep apnea appliances may prevent the need for further treatment interventions, such as the use of CPAP machines or undergoing surgical procedures.
Other key benefits to using a sleep apnea appliance include:
- Being able to sleep without waking your partner with gasping or loud snoring
- Avoiding the problems that come with sleep deprivation, such as falling asleep while operating a vehicle or experiencing memory loss, adverse medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stoke
- Being able to take your sleep apnea appliance anywhere you go, including on planes
Contact Our Practice for More Information
Do you feel tired, fatigued, or irritated due to lack of quality sleep? To talk Dr. Neighbors and Herod about treatment solutions for your obstructive sleep apnea, please contact us to set up an appointment.