Sleep Apnea Near Bourne, MA
Sleep Better with Oral Appliance Therapy
Are you struggling with constant exhaustion and are not sure why? It is
possible that you have a disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (also
called OSA). Here at Canal Side Family Dental, we have already helped many
patients from Bourne and the surrounding communities to find relief from
this condition via oral appliance therapy. If you are interested in learning
how we may be able to get you on the path to higher-quality sleep,
get in touch with us
today.
Why Choose Canal Side Family Dental for Oral Appliance Therapy?
- 1Experienced experts ready to help
- 2Popular CPAP alternative
- 3Portable, comfortable, and effective OSA relief
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition characterized by pauses in breathing (called apneas) that occur repeatedly 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 throat overrelax and block the patient’s airway. Individuals with mild OSA may experience just a handful of apneas each hour. Patients with severe OSA, on the other hand, may suffer from hundreds of apneas in a single night.
Because OSA interrupts the sleep cycle, it prevents its victims from getting truly rejuvenating rest. It also puts them at an elevated risk of a number of other health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and undesired weight gain.
Recognizing Sleep Apnea
OSA can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Waking up with a headache or sore throat
- Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom
- Sexual dysfunction and/or decreased libido
- Daytime drowsiness and exhaustion
- Irritability and depression
- Slowed reaction times
- Insomnia
- Waking up gasping for air
Anyone, regardless of their fitness level, age, or daily habits, may suffer from OSA. However, there are certain groups that are more likely to develop it, including obese individuals, men, postmenopausal women, and smokers.
If you believe you have sleep apnea, it is important that you seek professional as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo a sleep test, during which special devices will monitor your breathing and other vital statistics for a night. After an expert reviews the test results and provides you with an official diagnosis, you can begin to explore your treatment options.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Many doctors recommend a CPAP machine for OSA treatment. The machine gently forces pressurized air into the airway, keeping it open so the patient can breathe without interruption. While CPAP therapy is quite effective, many individuals find it to be cumbersome and uncomfortable. Therefore, they may not comply with the treatment according to their doctor’s instructions.
Oral appliance therapy provided by a sleep apnea dentist near Bourne, MA, is a viable alternative to a CPAP machine in many cases. An oral sleep appliance is a small device that resembles a mouthguard that is used sports. It gently moves the jaw forward, thus helping to keep the airway open throughout the night. Oral appliances are custom-made for each patient’s unique mouth. They are small, portable, comfortable, and easy to clean. The team at Canal Side Family Dental has the training and experience necessary to help residents of our community experience all the benefits of oral appliance therapy.