Dentist in Indianapolis, IN describes effective sleep apnea treatment options

When patients are struggling with getting a good night’s rest, they may be dealing with a sleeping disorder. It is not unusual for patients who are faced with daytime fatigue to wonder why they are so tired after sleeping each night. Disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea are a serious concern for patients, and we encourage people to seek a proper diagnosis of their condition and find treatment that is effective at helping them reach the deep, restorative levels of sleep necessary to feel their best. Though a primary care physician can help, so can a dentist in the Indianapolis, IN area who offers oral appliance therapy.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Dr. Matthew Church describes obstructive sleep apnea as a sleeping disorder that can occur when there is a blockage in the airways. This may be the throat area, where excess fat on the neck can cause a blockage, or the blockage may be the tongue falling back into the mouth. Whatever the cause, it can cause patients to stop breathing several hundred times a night – keeping them from reaching REM sleep that helps them feel refreshed for the following day. The result of obstructive sleep apnea includes symptoms such as:

• Chronic snoring
• Insomnia
• Daytime fatigue
• Difficulty with memory and concentration
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Dry mouth/sore throat
• Morning headaches

These are just a few of the common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea that should be reported to a doctor or physician for an evaluation.

Obstructive sleep apnea can impact one’s overall quality of life because of these symptoms, so finding an effective treatment that can address the condition is important.

What options are available?

Patients who receive a diagnosis from their primary physician may be advised to utilize a CPAP machine. This device can open the airways. Patients wear a mask over the nose and mouth and the machine will help in opening the airways during the night. This machine, however, can be noisy, cumbersome, and for many, extremely uncomfortable to sleep with. Because of this, many patients who are advised to use the CPAP device often fail in complying with treatment over the long haul. This is when patients fall back into their symptoms.

Fortunately, there is another way to achieve a better quality of life with the use of oral appliance therapy from the dentist. Instead of wearing a CPAP machine mask, patients can wear a specialized mouth guard that is worn at night while they sleep to keep the airways open. This mouth guard is designed to keep the jaw properly aligned and hold down the tongue. It is comfortable and easy to travel with, without the need for a large device. Many patients prefer this method of treatment, as it is just as effective and much simpler. Oral appliance therapy is the most desirable option for many of our patients who are faced with obstructive sleep apnea and trying to find a suitable solution that fits their lifestyle and specific needs.

Is oral appliance therapy effective?

Many patients find that oral appliance therapy is just as effective as the use of a CPAP machine. However, it has many benefits that a CPAP machine does not. This includes a comfortable device, a device that is easy to travel with, and a device that does not interfere with natural sleeping patterns. Many patients don’t think to visit a dentist for treatment of their sleeping disorder, which is why we want to bring to the attention of our patients that this is a viable option for many adults who struggle with obstructive sleep apnea.

Schedule a visit today with Washington Street Dentistry!

Dr. Matthew Church is a dentist in the community of Indianapolis, IN proud to offer patients solutions, including sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, which can be improved with the use of oral appliance therapy. This effective treatment is available in our practice. Contact our team to make an appointment by calling (317) 333-6788 and visiting the office at 10935 East Washington Street. Our professionals are here to assist you and your family with oral health care solutions, including general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry options.

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