Sleep Apnea Therapy: How can a dentist help me stop snoring?

Snoring can be a sign that you have a more severe problem, sleep apnea. The sound of snoring occurs when soft tissues in the mouth and throat vibrate as air enters and leaves the body. People whose soft tissues completely block airflow can stop breathing while sleeping. When this occurs for periods of 10 seconds or more, repeatedly through a sleep session, the person may be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.

The medical treatment for OSA involves wearing a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure machine. This machine has a main unit that keeps airflow constant. The patient wears a facemask connected to a tube that attaches to the machine. Some people feel claustrophobic, cannot get comfortable, or have problems with the mask fitting properly. These patients are deemed CPAP intolerant.

Dr. Harvey offers a CPAP alternative with custom made nightguards, also called snore guards. A nightguard fits into the mouth and holds the lower jaw slightly forward so that soft tissues cannot block airflow. CPAP intolerant patients often find relief with a nightguard.

Obstructive sleep apnea can increase a person's risk for heart attack, and nagging symptoms can occur, such as daytime drowsiness, forgetfulness, irritability, and falling asleep at inappropriate times.

Call to Reserve Your Sleep Apnea Consultation Today!
To help you regain good, restful sleep and a high quality of life, discuss your snoring or sleep apnea condition with Dr. Harvey. Our Waupaca dental office serves patients from Appleton, Stevens Point, New London, Iola, Amherst, Wild Rose, Wautoma, and surrounding areas.

back to dental procedures