Sleep Apnea Therapy – Fresno, CA
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While snoring can keep you from a good night’s sleep, you shouldn’t dismiss it as just an annoyance. Often, it signifies sleep apnea, a medical condition that impacts an estimated 12 to 20 million Americans every night. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, happens when the airway becomes blocked while you sleep. The lapses in breathing, which cause you to awaken and take a breath, can occur up to 30 times an hour and hundreds of times each night. We offer sleep apnea therapy in our Fresno, CA dental office to help patients stop snoring and start sleeping soundly.
Why Choose the Fresno Family Dental Office of Byron L. Reintjes, DDS for Sleep Apnea Therapy?
- Customized Sleep Apnea Appliances
- Caring and Experienced Dental Team
- Multiple PPO Providers Accepted
Untreated Sleep Apnea
Without treatment, sleep apnea can lead to:
- Daytime Drowsiness
- High Blood Pressure
- Increased Risk of Stroke
- Memory Loss
- Mood Disorders
- Falling Asleep at Inappropriate Times
- Weight Gain
Sleep Apnea Appliances
To help you sleep and breathe deeply through the night, a custom-crafted oral appliance may offer a comfortable, portable alternative to traditional CPAP therapies. We typically use the Somnodent line of appliances because they offer a variety of options to ensure comfort and efficacy for almost any patient. Somnodent appliances can be used to address loud, chronic snoring without a sleep apnea diagnosis, and they are effective therapy for patients suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Learn more about Sleep Apnea Appliances
Sleep Apnea Therapy FAQs
If left untreated, sleep apnea can be very dangerous and lead to serious health concerns down the line. Fortunately, Dr. Reintjes and the rest of the team have several different approaches for tackling this common condition and managing it to ensure proper breathing can take place. Of course, we understand you may have several lingering questions in mind before committing to the process. To help you out, we’ve decided to answer some of the top frequently asked questions below. Should you not find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out for personal assistance.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition that occurs when your muscles relax during sleep, allowing the soft tissue to collapse and block the airway. This can cause you to stop breathing multiple times per night for anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute. Unfortunately, repeated breathing pauses can result in reduced oxygen levels and disturbances in sleep.
Are Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea Effective?
Absolutely! Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is known to be quite effective. While other forms of treatment may have to be integrated, these oral devices ensure the airway stays uncompromised throughout the night. A significant advantage of oral appliance therapy is that it’s comfortable and does not require motorized machines, making sleeping easier and less restrictive.
How Long Does It Take to Adapt to a Sleep Apnea Appliance?
Most patients will adapt to their sleep apnea appliance within 2-7 days. This is relatively fast considering that it takes a few days to adapt to having a device in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance should not hurt your teeth at all! If your teeth do happen to feel sore following the initial use, don’t hesitate to let us know. We can easily adjust it for your comfort.
What Is the Difference Between Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy and Oral Appliance Therapy?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy involves wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth. It allows air pressure to keep the airway open while you sleep.
Meanwhile, oral appliance therapy consists of wearing a custom-fit mouthguard during sleep to support the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open airway. It’s far more comfortable than a CPAP mask because it’s custom-made to fit your mouth and is made of lightweight material. Over time, the oral appliance will be adjusted to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.
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