SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT

HELPING YOU EXPERIENCE RESTFUL SLEEP AGAIN

WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?

The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is when the tongue falls to the back of the throat and the upper airway is blocked as well as adequate airflow. The reduction in airflow causes oxygen levels in your brain to drop. When the oxygen levels drop, the sleeper partially awakens and a full breath is taken usually as a loud gasp. The repeated effects of decreased oxygenation can cause serious cardiovascular problems thus reducing the quality of your life.

If left untreated, sleep apnea prevents you from getting a good night’s rest. When breathing is stopped, it jolts you out of your natural sleeping rhythm. This causes you to spend more time in light sleep, and less time in the restorative sleep that helps you to be energetic and productive the next day.

A sleep apnea

CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED SLEEP APNEA:

There are health consequences associated with prolonged untreated sleep apnea including:

  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Slow reflexes
  • Poor concentration
  • Increased risk of accidents
  • Increased risk of diabetes
  • Increased risk of high blood pressure
  • Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Weight gain

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA:

Sleep apnea presents with a wide range of symptoms, some not even appearing until the next day. Some symptoms include:

  • Loud & chronic snoring
  • Long pauses in breathing
  • Choking, snorting or gasping during sleep
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Restless sleep
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom during sleep

Dr. Martin is pleased to offer a new service to help patients treat sleep apnea. The Emerson EMA and the TAP appliance are great alternatives to the C-PAP machine.

DENTAL TREATMENTS FOR SLEEP APNEA IN YORKTOWN, VA

WHAT ARE EMA & TAP DEVICES?

Oral appliances for sleep apnea treatment, such as the TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) and EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) are FDA-approved to treat sleep apnea. The TAP and the EMA must be fitted and adjusted periodically by a dentist. You will need to wear your oral appliance every night during sleep. Both the TAP and the EMA work using one of the original principles of CPR: by holding the mandible, or lower jaw, forward, they expand your airway and hold it open. Both appliances reliably reduce snoring and improve breathing.

HOW ORAL DENTAL APPLIANCES WORK

These devices are simple, patient-friendly, and most importantly, effective. The EMA and TAP devices treat sleep apnea by opening the bite and gently moving the mandible forward. This clears the airways to reduce snoring and improve breathing, and the quality of sleep.

Our patients who have tried these devices have been very pleased with the results. Make an appointment today to see if you could benefit from one of our sleep apnea devices.

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH SLEEP APNEA DEVICES

Oral appliances are customized using impressions or models your dentist makes of your teeth. These models are sent to a dental laboratory, where your appliance is created.

  • Take impressions or molds of the teeth to ensure your custom appliance is comfortable

  • Once your oral appliance is ready, you will return to the office for a fitting

  • Adjustments to your new appliance may be needed to maximize comfort and effectiveness

  • You will learn how to clean and maintain your oral appliance

  • After this fitting, your sleep specialist may schedule you for a sleep study to verify your treatment’s success

  • Schedule periodic appliance adjustments to ensure that your appliance is fitting appropriately and comfortably and that you continue to sleep well

SCHEDULE YOUR ORAL APPLIANCE APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Dr. Martin will discuss with you the benefits of oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, any potential side effects and its cost. Oral appliance therapy is covered by most insurances.

At your appointment, we will examine your teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway and possibly X-ray your mouth, then recommend which oral appliance will work best for you. The TAP can be adjusted by the patient at home using a tool called a key and tends to be recommended for people who clench or grind their teeth. Your dentist, using interchangeable elastic straps to make adjustments for comfort and efficacy, adjusts the EMA. One appliance may be better suited to you based on the size and shape of your mouth and tongue.

If you, or someone you love, suffer from sleep apnea, we can help. One of our goals at Anthony Martin Dentistry is to help you improve the quality of your life including your sleep. If you have any questions about oral appliances for sleep apnea or would like to learn more about how a sleep apnea appliance can help you, give us a call today at (757) 886-0300.

Family, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry

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We can’t wait to meet you and your family. Thank you for trusting us with your dental care.