In our last blog post, we detailed some of the symptoms of sleep apnea and how you can determine whether you or a loved one is suffering from the condition. Today, we’ll explore an advanced treatment available from our experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Fulbright, that can bring you a healthier night’s sleep and reduce associated symptoms that may be affecting your day-to-day life.
During sleep, muscles and soft tissues in the nasal passages, throat and tongue become very relaxed. When they become too relaxed, they can obstruct the flow of air and result in snoring and even extensive pauses while breathing. This is what characterizes sleep apnea. The goal of treatment is to open those air passages and bring back a normal flow of air while you sleep. There are a number of treatment options that can help to accomplish this, including the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device and more invasive procedures; however, Dr. Fulbright has seen many patients successfully reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea by using a customized oral appliance.
Oral appliances are similar to mouthguards and orthodontic retainers. They are custom-designed for the best, most comfortable fit possible, and many patients prefer them over the more bulky CPAP device. Oral appliances can work to keep the lower jawbone and soft tissues in a healthier position, maintaining a healthy amount of air flowing through your breathing passages and preventing major obstruction. When you come into our office for your initial consultation with Dr. Fulbright, he can give you a special test designed to study your sleep during the night. In a follow-up appointment, he will review the results and decide whether this treatment is right for your needs. If so, Dr. Fulbright will have the oral appliance created based on your unique oral structures so that it can do its job effectively without causing annoyance or discomfort as you drift off into a peaceful, restful sleep.
Contact Dr. Fulbright
For more information on our sleep apnea treatment options, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fulbright, please contact Fulbright Dental today.
