Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder in which an individual experiences disturbances during the night, due to breathing troubles. Additionally, Obstructive Sleep Apnea entails the partial or full blockage of the upper airway.
Symptoms
Moreover, the blockage results in nighttime symptoms like choking, sudden wakefulness, snoring, etc. Clearly, none of this is conducive to a good night’s sleep! This means that the nighttime symptoms are only half of the picture.
Also, during the day, Obstructive Sleep Apnea sufferers experience additional symptoms, like morning headaches, chronic fatigue, a dry mouth and throat, a lack of sex drive, depression, weight gain, difficulty arising, and so on.
Causes
What are the causes? Those most likely to suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea are men, the overweight, and those middle-aged or above. The more fatty tissue in the neck area, the more pressure is applied to the upper airway.
Luckily, weight is a variable which can be controlled, and weight loss is known as one of the best ways to reduce symptoms.
Treatment
It is important to note, Obstructive Sleep Apnea must not go untreated, no matter the severity. Developing issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, etc. over time is common.
Fortunately, there are options to treat OSA. At Ueckert Dentistry, Dr. Gregg offers an oral appliance that can help alleviate and in most cases completely cease OSA and Sleep Apnea.
CPAP
CPAP is the most commonly used method to treat Sleep Apnea. Moreover, studies have shown that patients prefer an oral appliance over their CPAP, once they are aware of the options.
- Covered by most medical insurances
- Easy to use and comfortable to wear
- Easy to travel with
- Better sleep
- Improved daytime functioning
- Higher Compliance Rate
- Less Snoring
- May help improve the sleep of your partner
There are over 15 years of evidence supporting the effectiveness of oral appliances.
Treatment Options
This appliance fits over your teeth and is custom-made for you by Dr. Gregg, who has advanced training in dental sleep medicine. Our custom designed orthotic device gently realigns the tongue and jaw to assure an open airway and allow normal air flow to the lungs as you sleep.
Call or email (appts@drueckert.com) (512)345-3166 Ueckert Dentistry today to schedule your Sleep consultation with Dr. Gregg. Smile again and get back your sleep!
