Dental sleep medicine is an incredible alternative to CPAP Therapy for OSA or obstructive sleep apnea.
While you would think that most people would welcome any relief, CPAP machines and accessories are so uncomfortable that they are often abandoned after the second or third time of use.
Thankfully, there are other ways to combat the problems that come with obstructive sleep apnea and they include dental sleep medicine from Xceptional Dental.
OSA and the Problems that Come with It
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes people to wake up every hour, sometimes thirty or more times. They wake up because they can’t breathe. They can’t breathe because of restricted airways.
Gasping for breath isn’t the only issue when it comes to OSA. People who have mild to moderate OSA also:
- Have problems staying awake
- Deal with libido issues
- Fall asleep at the wheel
- Wake up with dry mouth
- Suffer from morning headaches
- Complain of backaches and neck aches
- Can’t fall asleep at night
One of the biggest issues with OSA is denial. Most people suffering, even those with a bed partner, will deny that they have obstructive sleep apnea. Even gentle persuasions aren’t successful when it comes to a person in OSA denial.
Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
While surgery is often recommended, it is clearly a last resort. Some patients aren’t happy with the results, which don’t often last. People who have had surgery for obstructive sleep apnea usually resort to more surgery or go back to CPAP Therapy.
CPAP Therapy is the tried and true solution for OSA. This treatment uses a mask hooked up to a machine and a tube that you breathe through while you sleep.
Although it is often uncomfortable sometimes, it is the only relief available, or was the only relief. Thankfully, there are less in your face, no pun intended, solutions for mild to moderate OSA sufferers.
CPAP Alternatives including Dental Sleep Medicine for OSA
Dr. Janette Larsen provides dental sleep medicine to patients, and potential ones, so that they can get a good night’s sleep and reduce the risks that come with obstructive sleep apnea.
Oral appliance therapy is one of the best solutions for patients suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea. Because it relaxes the throat without forcing air down the narrow pathways, people have an easier time with it. People with custom-made oral appliance for obstructive sleep apnea are also more apt to continue with treatment.
Oral Appliance Therapy and Dental Sleep Medicine
Oral appliance therapy and dental sleep medicine is available in San Diego. Call; send a text or a direct message to a team member from Xceptional Smiles today.