Sleep Apnea – Buzzards Bay, MA
Achieve a Better Night’s Rest
Are you tired all the time and are not sure why? It is possible that you are suffering from a disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Here at Canal Side Family Dental, we have already helped many patients find relief from this condition via oral appliance therapy. If you are interested in discovering how we may be able to get you on the path to higher-quality rest, contact us today.
Why Choose Canal Side for Oral Appliance Therapy?
- 1Team of experienced experts ready to help
- 2Viable alternative to CPAP
- 3Comfortable, portable, and effective
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes its victims to stop breathing for short periods throughout the night. There are a few different types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. In OSA, the soft tissues in the mouth or throat overrelax and block the patient’s airway, resulting in repeated apneas (periods of not breathing). Individuals with a mild form of OSA may have just a handful of apneas each hour. In severe cases, apneas can occur hundreds of times each night.
Because OSA disrupts the sleep cycle, it prevents its sufferers from getting truly rejuvenating rest. It also puts them at a higher risk of a number of other health conditions, including weight gain, heart attack, and depression.
Recognizing Sleep Apnea
Common symptoms of OSA include:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Waking up with a sore throat or headache
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Sexual dysfunction and decreased libido
- Daytime drowsiness and fatigue
- Depression and irritability
- Slowed reaction times
- Insomnia
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping for air
Anyone, regardless of their age, habits, or fitness level, may suffer from OSA. However, there are certain groups that are at a higher risk, including obese individuals, men, postmenopausal women, and those who smoke.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it is important that you seek professional help right away. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo a sleep test, which will monitor your breathing and other vital statistics for a night. After an expert reviews the test results and you have been diagnosed with OSA, you can begin to explore your treatment options.
Treating Sleep Apnea
A CPAP machine is the standard treatment for OSA. The machine gently forces pressurized air into the airway, keeping it open so the patient can breathe throughout the night without interruption. While CPAP therapy is extremely effective, many individuals find it to be uncomfortable and cumbersome. They may not comply with the treatment as their doctor recommends.
Oral appliance therapy is a viable alternative to a CPAP machine in many cases. An oral appliance is a small device that resembles a mouthguard for sports. It gently repositions the jaw, thus helping to keep the airway open throughout the night. Oral appliances are custom designed for each patient’s unique mouth. They are small, portable, comfortable, and easy to keep clean. The team at Canal Side Family Dental has the training and experience necessary to help residents of Buzzards Bay and the surrounding communities experience all the benefits of oral appliance therapy.