Sleep apnea can wreak havoc on your ability to get a good night’s sleep, which can impact every single part of your life. So what causes this monster of a problem? For the many people in Park City, UT, who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, it can be as simple as the muscles around the tongue and throat loosening a little bit too much while asleep, blocking the flow of air to the lungs. Doctors may recommend complex solutions to the problem, such as surgery or the use of a CPAP machine. But these options may not work for everyone. Not everyone can tolerate a major surgery. And anyone who has seen or experienced a CPAP machine knows how noisy, claustrophobic, and generally inconvenient it can be. Its use can also lead to dry mouth, nasal irritation, and stomach discomfort.
Why is it so Important to Treat Sleep Apnea?
It’s normal to feel a little cranky when you miss one night of sleep. But when you miss that shut-eye night after night, the side effects can be debilitating. In fact, lack of sleep can increase your chances of experiencing:
- Depression
- Vehicle accidents
- Dementia
- Higher cortisol levels
- Blood clotting issues
- Stroke
- Heart attack
How Can My Dentist Help?
A trip to the dentist might not be the first thing you think of after receiving a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, but the truth is that millions of people in the U.S. have found relief from their sleep apnea symptoms through the use of an oral appliance. Reach out to our caring team in our Park City, UT, office, and we can set a consultation for you to determine whether or not a mandibular advancement device or a tongue retaining device is right for you. The first option is like a mouth guard that moves your jaw and tongue forward and away from the back of your throat, increasing the size of your airway. The second appliance is similar to a splint that will hold your tongue in place to keep your airway open.
Our Park City, UT, team is ready to help you overcome your sleep apnea and rediscover a restful night’s sleep. Connect with us today.
Park City Dental Associates is wonderful. The whole team made me feel welcome. I highly recommend this practice.
Vivian G. Google