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If you frequently wake up during the night because you’re gasping for air or you snore loudly, then you may have a sleep disorder that can adversely impact your overall health. A lack of restful sleep can impair your reaction time, cause fuzzy thinking, and have the same effect as intoxication. Sleep disorders are common, and one of our dentists may be able to help you, so call us today to schedule an appointment.
What Is Sleep Apnea and Is It Serious?
This sleep disorder affects millions of people throughout the world and it occurs when your sleep is disrupted during the night. Whether due to physical or physiological issues, the effect is the same, but this disorder can often be treated with an oral appliance for sleep apnea. Lack of sleep can have serious consequences, so don’t procrastinate in seeking treatment. If you think you need an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Gilbert, then call us today for an appointment.
What Symptoms Are Indicative of This Sleep Disorder?
There are several symptoms of this sleep disorder, so if you’re suffering from one or more of them, then call our office today. Sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Tiredness throughout the day
- Recurrent morning headaches
- Loud and frequent snoring
- Lapses in breathing when you’re asleep
- Waking during the night because you’re gasping or choking
- Persistent dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
Any or all of these symptoms can indicate the presence of a sleep disorder, so call us for more information or to schedule an evaluation.
Are There Specific Causes for This Sleep Disorder?
Although anyone at any age can develop sleep apnea, there are five common causes among those with this sleep disorder. They are:
- Heredity: Some families have a history of this disorder
- Gender: Males are more likely to develop this disorder
- Age: It’s more common in those over 40
- Excess weight
- Neck circumference that’s more than 16 inches
If you have any of the above symptoms combined with any of the sleep apnea causes, then call our Gilbert office to schedule an evaluation and let us help you regain your restful sleep.
What Types of Treatments Exist for Sleep Apnea in Gilbert?
If you have a mild case of this sleep disorder, then lifestyle changes may be effective in addressing the issues. Sometimes, small changes such as losing weight or sleeping on your side can resolve the problem, but for advanced cases, surgery may be necessary. Another treatment that’s very successful is a dental appliance, such as a sleep apnea mouthpiece. Similar to a sports mouthguard, a sleep apnea mouth guard gently repositions the jaw into a forward position. This expands your airway so that your breathing isn’t interrupted and your other symptoms should abate as well. If you need this type of dental appliance, then call our Gilbert office to schedule an evaluation.
Dental Appliances Used to Treat Sleep Apnea
Are There Any Dental Appliances That Are Used to Treat This Sleep Disorder?
Mouthpieces have proven to be very effective in treating this sleep disorder, and they’re easy to use. They’re also portable, so if you travel, you can take your mouthpiece with you. The appliance works by pushing your jaw forward, allowing your airway to remain open during sleeping.
Are These Types of Appliances Very Expensive?
As with any dental procedure, your mouthpiece cost will be unique to you. Factors that will influence your appliance cost include the type of device you need and your insurance benefits, although many insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for this type of device. Since sleep deprivation can impair your driving, a mouthpiece can become very cost-effective, even without insurance coverage, compared to the cost of an accident.
Does Oral Appliance Therapy Provide Any Benefits?
Oral appliance therapy, or OAT, can improve both your quality of sleep and your overall health. The appliances are easy to maintain, they’re portable, and they’re convenient. They’re also non-invasive unlike surgery and you will notice an immediate improvement. If you’re interested in OAT therapy for your sleep disorder, then call our Gilbert office for an appointment.
Is OAT Covered By Most Insurance Plans?
Your insurance plan benefits will be unique to you and the best source of information is your plan provider, so call them first. If you have difficulty with this, we will be happy to help, but call your provider first. Many insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost for OAT therapy, but if you need it, we’ll work with you on making it affordable.
If you have sleep apnea in Gilbert, then call Precision Dental at (480) 359-3162 and let us help you. Good quality sleep is vital to your good health, so schedule an appointment without delay if you have this. We’re experienced in providing these types of treatments and we strive to maintain our reputation within the local community. We want you to be confident you’re getting the best care, so we’ll take the time to go over your options with you and help you choose the solution that makes the most sense for your needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment and let’s get started on restoring your quality sleep.