Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Studies estimate that over 22 million people living in the U.S. suffer from some form of sleep apnea. While this figure is alarming on its own, what is even more concerning is that experts say that 80% of obstructive sleep apnea cases are undiagnosed, which means that many people living with this condition are not getting the treatment they need.

Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose and usually requires the professional services of both a sleep specialist and a dentist who is familiar with the condition. Our dentists have helped provide this service many times and successfully treated many individuals in Rolla for sleep apnea conditions. We will work closely with you and your doctor to assess the severity of your sleep apnea and develop a health-centered treatment plan that helps you find relief from the negative symptoms you’re experiencing.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing occurs irregularly when sleeping. An individual with sleep apnea often experiences disruption to their sleep as their breathing starts and stops suddenly numerous times throughout the night. There are two main types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central, which have different causes. Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain’s failure to communicate correctly with the muscles that control breathing, whereas obstructive sleep apnea is airway obstruction when the muscles of the throat collapse during sleep. Both are serious conditions that require professional treatment.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Getting a restful night’s sleep is important for both your physical and mental health. During sleep, the body repairs itself physically, and our brains organize and store memories. Failure to get enough sleep can result in high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and numerous other health issues. For individuals with sleep apnea, getting a restful night’s sleep may feel like an impossible task. Their daily lives are greatly impacted by the inability to sleep. Sleep apnea symptoms can range from mild to severe and include loud snoring, teeth grinding, fatigue, insomnia, nightmares, headaches, changes in mood, as well as various other symptoms.

Our Approach to Sleep Apnea Treatment

Our dentists are highly knowledgeable when it comes to treating sleep apnea conditions. We take a comprehensive approach to sleep apnea treatment, and through our health-centered model, conduct a thorough diagnosis and extensive treatment plan to help our patients not only avoid the negative dental affects that come from the condition, but also regain control of their lives and overall health.

While treatment plans may vary, the most common treatment method that we use is the implementation of Mandibular Advancement Devices. Once we obtain a prescription from your doctor, we will create a custom device for you to wear at night. This device works by gently moving the tongue and the jaw forward to prevent the throat muscles from collapsing during sleep. We have seen great success from this treatment option and have helped many individuals from Rolla improve their sleep apnea condition.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have questions about sleep apnea therapy or would like to schedule an appointment to be seen by one of our dentists in Rolla for sleep apnea treatment, please contact our office. We would be more than happy to provide you with additional information and help you find a convenient time that you can come into our office for an appointment.