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Breathe Easier and Sleep Better: Sleep Apnea Treatment in Bolingbrook, IL
One common type of sleep apnea is known as “obstructive sleep apnea,” which means that your airways are closing off while you are sleeping. This problem can lead to serious health complications when left untreated. So, it’s important to visit a local dentist so you can learn more about sleep apnea appliances.
311 Dental is here to help, offering a customized dental appliance for sleep apnea. This treatment is a great alternative to uncomfortable CPAP machines and offers many benefits, including improved breathing and reduced snoring. We invite you to schedule a consultation if you are looking for a sleep apnea oral appliance dentist.
Why Do You Need a Dental Device for Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of this condition. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea experience a collapse of their soft tissues while they are sleeping. This blockage makes it difficult for the air to get through, causing the person to stop breathing for a few seconds at a time throughout the night.
Doctors have discovered various health risks associated with sleep apnea, including stroke, heart disease, and more. Because the breathing is reduced, it drops the available oxygen in the body – which can have a domino effect on overall health.
If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, then it’s a good idea to visit our nearby dental office to see if you need a sleep apnea mouthpiece. Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air
- Paused breathing for a few seconds
- Fatigue during the day, even after a long night of sleep
At-Home Sleep Test
One option to determine if you will benefit from a sleep apnea appliance is through an at-home sleep test. This allows the dentist to monitor your sleep patterns using data collected while you are sleeping. It involves a small device that tracks your oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and body movements. The dentist then uses this information to determine the severity of your sleep apnea and provide recommended treatments.
It costs $100 to use the at-home sleep test device.
No, modern technology makes it possible for you to complete the sleep test in the comfort of your own home.
A sleep test is the most accurate way to confirm your diagnosis of sleep apnea. The goal is to evaluate the severity of your symptoms so a proper treatment plan can be used.
The most common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, feeling tired during the day, headaches in the morning, or gasping for air while sleeping.
Sometimes, signs of sleep apnea are visible on your teeth, such as teeth grinding, excessive dryness in the mouth (from mouth breathing), or a scalloped tongue because the teeth cause indentations when the tongue is pressed against them.
Dental Oral Sleep Appliance
For a long time, the most common recommendation for sleep apnea was using a CPAP machine at night. While some patients still need this type of treatment, many people can benefit from simpler sleep apnea solutions: an anti-snoring mouthpiece that keeps the airways open.
You put the appliance in your mouth while sleeping so it can reposition the tongue and/or jaw. This appliance ensures that your airway stays open all night long so you can breathe normally. These dental appliances fall into two categories: Mandibular Advancement Devices (repositioning the jaw) and Tongue-Retaining Devices (holding the tongue in place).
These dental sleep apnea treatments are preferred over CPAP machines because they are easier to use, more comfortable, and more portable while traveling.
If you need sleep apnea treatment or a snoring mouthpiece, then we invite you to contact our experienced team at 311 Dental. We are always here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
With insurance, coverage may vary. It can be as little as $0 out of pocket or as much as $2500. The good news is that medical insurance usually covers the bulk of the amount.
Dental appliances for sleep apnea treatment are better for most people’s lifestyles because they are easier to use, more comfortable, and portable.
This custom-fit device is worn in your mouth while you are sleeping. It repositions the jaw and/or tongue to keep your airway open so there are no problems with your breathing at night.
Even though the goal is to treat sleep apnea, many patients experience the benefits of reduced snoring at night. Often, snoring and sleep apnea are both caused by a blocked airway.
If you have been diagnosed with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea, then you will likely benefit from using a sleep apnea appliance.
This treatment helps to alleviate the symptoms, but it is not a permanent cure for sleep apnea. It’s necessary to use the appliance on an ongoing basis to ensure proper breathing.
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