If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) then your overall health could suffer as you become more and more sleep deprived. Your Spring, TX, dentists are ready to help you enjoy a better night’s rest with a personalized treatment option. In today’s blog, let’s look at how we treat common sleep disorders to help our patients rest easier.
Signs of Poor Sleep
How do you know if you should see your dentist for treatment? First, do you often feel tired during the day, even if you slept the night before? Have you ever woken suddenly in the night struggling to breathe or choking? These are common warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that occurs when the soft tissues in your throat and mouth collapse and block airflow, causing you to briefly stop breathing several times a night. Other warning signs include chronic snoring, headaches, dry mouth, irritability, and trouble focusing on tasks at work or school. If you feel like one or more of these potential symptoms applies to you, then please see us right away for a diagnosis!
Creating Your Oral Appliance
To begin, we need to assess the severity of your sleep disorder. We will send you home with a sleep test, a special device that registers apneic episodes, blood oxygen levels, and breathing exertion as you rest comfortably in your own bed. We will look at the results and if we decide you need an oral appliance, we will take detailed impressions and measurements of your smile. The device will be custom-made specifically for your smile.
Treatment
The oral appliance will fit much like a mouthguard and will be worn as you sleep. The device actually repositions the jaw, moving it forward to prevent the collapse of soft issues. Symptoms will reduce significantly and you will be able to rest easier. We may also discuss positive changes you can make to your routine. For example, try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every night, and avoid vigorous exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and large meals in the two hours before bed. Cutting back on caffeinated beverages can also be beneficial, as well a sleeping on your side instead of your back. If you have any questions about changing your sleep routine or about creating a custom oral appliance, then please contact our team today. We want to make sure you obtain the rest you need to function throughout the day!
Do You Need Treatment?
Our team wants to offer a comfortable and convenient option for enjoying a better night’s rest. To learn more about our personalized treatment options, please call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
