Sleep Apnea Treatment

What Is Sleep Apnea and How Do I Know If I Have It?

Sleep apnea most commonly affects men over 40 years old, but it can develop at any age. When you have this sleep disorder, the flow of your breathing is disrupted when you’re asleep, so it may seem like you periodically stop breathing. This irregular breathing pattern when you’re sleeping reduces the amount of oxygen your body receives and can cause disruptive side effects. For example, you may feel like you never get enough sleep, and you’re correct. The sleep you’re getting is probably poor quality because of your interrupted breathing and your body not receiving enough oxygen.

Are There Symptoms I’ll Have If I Have this Sleep Disorder?

These sleep apnea symptoms are commonly associated with this disorder:

• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Dry mouth or a sore throat when waking
• Frequent or loud snoring
• Headaches in the morning
• Lethargy during the day
• Respiration pauses during sleep

What Are the Sleep Apnea Causes I Should Be Aware Of?

The muscles in your throat are usually stiff during the day, which facilitates your breathing. At night, however, they relax and your airway narrows. This can obstruct your breathing and result in irregular breathing, choking, snoring or other disruptive sleep behaviors. Additional factors that can contribute to the onset of this sleep disorder include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Neck size of more than 16 inches
• Gender (this sleep disorder usually occurs in males)
• Obesity

What’s the Treatment for this Sleep Disorder?

For those who have a mild case of this frustrating sleep disorder, it may be effectively treated with lifestyle changes, such as sleeping on your side or losing weight. Others use dental appliances that reposition the tongue and jaw. More advanced cases may require surgical intervention, but this needs to be determined by a doctor. If you have sleep apnea, call our office today to make an appointment with one of our Gainesville dentists. We’ll examine you and recommend a treatment regimen that will enable you to once again enjoy a good night’s sleep. If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Dental Appliances

What Types of Oral Appliances Are Available for This Sleep Disorder?

A sleep apnea mouth guard is very similar to those that are worn when participating in sports, except it’s only worn at night. The sleep apnea mouthpiece maintains the forward position of your jaw, which expands your airway and reduces or eliminates the breathing issues caused by sleep apnea.

What’s the Cost of an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

Your oral appliance cost will depend on your custom mouthpiece and any insurance coverage you have. We’ll be able to provide you with a specific cost during a consultation. To schedule an appointment, please call our office and we’ll be glad to assist you.

What Benefits Does OAT Provide?

Oral appliance therapy can enhance the quality of your sleep to improve your overall health. Sleep deprivation can have serious side effects, so it’s important that you get enough quality sleep. OAT is convenient and easy to maintain, and it’s also portable so you can take it with you if you travel. It’s non-invasive, requires no recuperation time and you can begin using it immediately. If you’re interested in getting an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Gainesville, we can help.

Will My Insurance Cover Oral Appliance Therapy?

Many insurance companies cover some or all of the cost for an oral appliance for this sleep disorder. However, everyone’s insurance coverage is unique, so the best source for answers is your provider.

We’re among the best dentists in Gainesville for OAT procedures, so if you’re tired of suffering from sleep apnea and never getting a good night’s sleep, then schedule an appointment today at (352) 436-4215. It would be our pleasure to help you.