Many patients are surprised to find out that there may be a connection between their mouths and their quality of sleep.
More than 25 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. This chronic condition interferes with sleep quality and can cause health issues down the line if not treated. Dr. Feinberg is an expert in using dental devices to provide our patients in La Mesa sleep apnea treatment.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which the muscles of the throat relax during sleep. This causes the surrounding soft tissue to collapse, blocking airflow through your trachea.
During this period, breathing pauses and your body is unable to get enough oxygen. Each pause in breathing is followed by a brief period in which you awaken and resume breathing. This may happen dozens or even hundreds of times during the night. Many of our patients wonder what sleep apnea has to do with their dental health. In fact, one of the most successful sleep apnea treatments is an oral appliance fitted by a prosthodontist.
The most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
“After suffering from sleep apnea for over 5 years and not knowing. I got my sleep apnea appliance fitted perfectly, my snoring stopped, and holding my breath in my sleep stopped. I'm getting better sleep and waking up with more energy than ever! I highly recommend Dr. Feinberg to anyone looking for a sleep apnea treatment.”
People who have recently received a diagnosis of sleep apnea often worry that they will have to use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. Though effective, these devices can be noisy and cumbersome. Fortunately, getting fitted for an oral appliance is a successful treatment for those with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Your dentist will custom fit an oral appliance for sleep apnea. This device fits like an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard. The purpose of sleep apnea oral appliances is to keep your jaw in a forward position. This helps your upper airway stay open during sleep, preventing those brief episodes of oxygen loss. Many of our patients report that getting their oral appliance transforms their sleep quality.
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis from a sleep specialist. Then, it is time to get treatment to help you sleep better. Long time La Mesa dentist, Dr. Feinberg, has years of experience providing oral appliance therapy. He will work with you to fit a custom-made sleep apnea appliance to enhance your sleep quality. Contact us today to learn more about the best sleep apnea treatment La Mesa has to offer.
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment.
Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
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