Dental appliance therapy works in sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw and gently keeping the airway open during sleep. It is a custom oral appliance that fits over the teeth and has successfully treated specific types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder that causes breathing cessation multiple times at night. The condition is associated with a whole host of health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Acid reflux
- Atrial fibrillation
- Abnormal EKG
- Decreased left ventricular ejection fraction
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Weight gain
- Night terrors
- Hypothyroidism
- Sleep disturbances
- Night sweats
- Anxiety, depression, and irritability
Sleep apnea is sometimes associated with bruxism, which means teeth grinding and clenching, especially at night. Bruxism can lead to tooth fractures, an increase in cavities, and even TMJ (jaw joint disorder).
Snoring, daytime sleepiness, and frequent waking are the telltale signs of sleep apnea, but snoring and insomnia do not necessarily mean you have the condition. To make a definitive diagnosis, you need the support of your Charlotte dentist.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Charlotte, NC
Dr. Heather Gentry takes a holistic approach to dentistry, and part of that means diagnosing and figuring out the cause of conditions like sleep apnea in Charlotte, NC.
We start you with a sleep study to diagnose your condition correctly. Then, you can pick up the necessary sleep study equipment in our dental office and use it in your home. You’ll not have to stay overnight in a sleep clinic.
If you have sleep apnea, Dr. Gentry provides treatment, which may include oral appliance therapy.
At-Home Sleep Apnea Study Near Me
Contact a helpful team member today to learn more about our sleep apnea treatment or other dental services. And don’t forget to ask about our Dental Savings Plan!