Airway Dentistry Murphy TX Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is characterized by the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat. At Parkside Dental, we serve patients in Murphy and Wylie, as well as Lucas, Plano, Sachse, and Richardson. We offer oral appliances to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. An oral appliance can provide you with safer and more restful sleep! What is Sleep Apnea?
Why Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?It is dangerous to leave sleep apnea untreated because it can cause many serious health complications that can shorten a person's lifespan. Sleep apnea also reduces sleep quality which can impact your ability to be alert throughout the day. This can cause someone to fall asleep at the wheel or while operating heavy machinery. Studies have shown that people suffering from sleep apnea are 5 times more likely to get into a car accident. Sleep apnea also increases your risk of developing the following:
Our Treatments For Sleep Apnea In MurphyWe utilize a Vivos oral appliance that treats sleep apnea, snoring, and TMD problems. This oral device looks like a retainer and is worn around the teeth for 1-2 years. This appliance works to open your airway by:
There are two Vivos oral appliances: the Vivos DNA appliance and the Vivos mRNA appliance. The DNA appliance is worn exclusively at night and adjusts your bite alignment by exerting gentle pressure onto the teeth to move the jaw forward and expand it outward. This creates more room in the mouth for you to place your tongue and prevents it from blocking your airway. By increasing the size of the upper airway, mouth breathing is reduced and the patient can more easily breathe through the nose. The mRNA appliance is similar to the DNA appliance, except that it repositions the lower jaw instead of the upper jaw. This keeps the upper airway open, making it easier to breathe while the patient sleeps, and reduces the incidence of teeth grinding as well as TMJ-related jaw pain. If you have or suspect you have sleep apnea in Murphy or Wylie, contact us at Parkside Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jason Larsen and Dr. Jean Larsen. Recognizing The Common Symptoms Of Sleep ApneaSnoring alone isn't necessarily a symptom of sleep apnea. But lots of people who have sleep apnea will snore loudly, with periodic pauses in snoring and breathing. Your sleeping partner may notice this, and it can also prevent them from sleeping soundly, in some cases. You may also wake up in the middle of the night feeling like you're choking or gasping for air. It's also common for people with obstructive sleep apnea to wake up with a dry mouth and/or a headache. Some other common symptoms include drowsiness and poor quality sleep. You may have trouble falling or staying asleep, or feel tired in the morning even after getting 7-8 hours of sleep or more. You may also find that you have trouble focusing at work or at school. People with untreated sleep apnea may even be more irritable, or have a lower libido (sex drive). If you notice one, several, or most of these symptoms in yourself, you should see Dr. Jason Larsen and Dr. Jean Larsen right away. As an expert sleep dentist in Murphy, he can help you get the care you need for restful, relaxing sleep. What Causes Sleep Apnea?Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of apnea. It occurs when the soft tissue in your mouth sags into your airway, blocking proper breathing. And it's not usually caused by a single factor, but by a variety of different factors that come together to cause sleep apnea. The most common contributing factors are being overweight or obese. More than 50% of people with OSA are overweight or obese. This is because people who are overweight may have more soft tissue in their mouths and throats, which can raise the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is also more common in men than it is in women, regardless of weight. In addition, an improper bite or other anatomical issues like a deviated septum (a problem with the nose structure) can raise your risk of developing sleep apnea. Other risk factors can include a large neck circumference, a narrow throat, allergies, smoking, and medical conditions that cause upper airway congestion. Regular drug and alcohol use, especially before bed, are also associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea. Airway Dentistry for Jaw Alignment IssuesYou may be a good candidate for Vivos treatment at Parkside Dental if you have obstructive sleep apnea that's caused by an underdeveloped upper jaw (maxillary hypoplasia) or a lower jaw that's set too far back (mandibular retrognathia). On their own, these jaw position problems may not be enough to cause apnea. But along with some other factors, they can be major contributors to sleep apnea. With Vivos treatment, you can wear a set of special oral appliances that relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea, and eventually correct the position of your jaws. Visit Your Airway Dentistry Experts in Murphy Today!To learn more and see if you're a good candidate, just contact us for a consultation. Our Murphy dentists and team can help you explore all of your options, including Vivos treatment for adjusting the position of your upper and/or lower jaws. If you are interested in knowing more about airway dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 972-442-7550. |
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