Many people find themselves waking up gasping for air instead of drifting off into a peaceful slumber. It’s not the first time, and sadly, it won’t be the last. Knowing how to treat sleep apnea and addressing this nocturnal nuisance head-on should be on top of your list. Let’s explore some solutions provided by your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark that can help you regain those peaceful slumbers once again.
There are many ways to treat sleep apnea. The most common solutions include custom-fitted oral devices designed to keep airways open while you’re sleeping. However, advanced laser dentistry techniques that tighten oral issues are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their non-invasive approach and long-lasting results.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
According to research by the National Sleep Foundation, somewhere between 10% to 20% of people in the US have sleep apnea. However, most of these conditions go completely unnoticed, with individuals facing some nighttime problems but not being able to put an exact diagnosis behind them.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common case, where the airway becomes blocked as you’re sleeping, often due to relaxed throat muscles. This leads to pauses in breathing and, consequently, numerous awakenings throughout the night, even if you don’t remember them. There’s also Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), where the brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
This condition, both common and troublesome, can show up through a variety of symptoms. Reflecting that, there are equally as many treatment options, from special oral devices to advanced laser dentistry. But before we delve deeper, here are some key symptoms to watch for:
- Suddenly waking up, sometimes gasping for air,
- Persistent, loud snoring with occasional choking or gasping noises,
- Dry mouth or a sore throat when you wake up,
- Headaches in the morning and feeling excessively sleepy during the day,
- Shifts in mood and problems with focus.
How to Treat Sleep Apnea With Customized Oral Devices
At first glance, it might seem strange that your Charlotte, NC, dentist can be the one to help with your sleep apnea. Isn’t their main job to keep your teeth healthy? What does that have to do with a disorder that occurs only when you’re sleeping?
Remember, this condition is caused by restricted airways, which is an oral concern first of all, commonly addressed with special devices crafted in your dentist’s office. Also called oral appliances, these devices are placed in your mouth, helping with the airflow as you’re sleeping.
There Are a Few Different Oral Devices That Could Help You With This Condition
Mandibular repositioning mouthpieces are the most common solution when it comes to sleep apnea. They fit over your teeth, both top and bottom, gently nudging your lower jaw forward. This stops your jaw from falling back and keeps your airway open wide.
Then, there are tongue-retaining devices – this clever design holds your tongue forward, making sure it can’t block your breathing path. Some other pieces mix these methods or even use gentle electrical stimulation to help you with the condition. A visit to your dentist in Charlotte, NC, for an exam and consultation will clear things up when it comes to the ideal solution for your unique needs.
How to Treat Severe Sleep Apnea With Laser Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
Laser dentistry stretches far beyond the realms of teeth whitening and crafting comprehensive smile makeovers. This advanced technology has a pivotal role in the treatment of sleep apnea, too. We’ve just started to explore the benefits and possibilities of this modern approach, but it’s quickly becoming a popular solution for those struggling with sleep disruptions.
How Does the Laser Treatment for Sleep Apnea Work?
During your first visit to the Aspire Dental Wellness office, Dr. Sladjana Bjelac will take a close look at your soft palate to figure out the best course of action. From there, we craft a tailor-made treatment just for you, using either the cutting-edge Solea Sleep or Fotona’s NightLaseⓇ technologies.
These treatments use laser beams to firm up the oral mucosa tissue in your mouth in a quick, non-invasive, and comfortable way, promising results that last. These treatments can also help reduce snoring and boost the overall quality of your nighttime rest, making sure you wake up feeling refreshed, day after day.
What Are the Advantages of Laser Therapy?
With the advancement of dental laser treatments, this solution stands out as a great route for both diagnosing and treating this serious condition. There are several benefits of laser dentistry, including the following:
- Noticeable improvements often after just one visit,
- Zero recovery time required post-treatment,
- Enhanced sleep quality.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Changes Can Be Greatly Beneficial as Well
When it comes to sleep apnea, knowing how to treat it effectively is only half the battle. To help get the best outcome possible, some key lifestyle changes should be made. Maintaining healthy weight and optimal sleeping patterns, as well as staying active, along with limiting alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, can all be very beneficial. Sleeping on your side with special support pillows instead of on your back is another small change that can make a world of difference.
Integrating Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Into Your Routine Is Also Recommended
Orofacial myofunctional therapy consists of a series of exercises targeting the mouth and facial muscles. It can be a beneficial treatment for both children and adults. This technique aims to strengthen and adjust the positioning of the tongue and the muscles responsible for the movement of your tongue, lips, upper airway, and facial expressions.
Take the First Step Towards Restful Nights With Aspire Dental Wellness
Struggling with sleep apnea doesn’t have to be your nightly norm. Our experienced team at Aspire Dental Wellness, equipped with the latest in advanced technologies, is dedicated to providing personalized solutions for each of our patients. Contact us today and reserve a consultation to start your journey towards restful nights and brighter, more energetic mornings.
