Snoring is the most notable side effect of sleep apnea, but did you know that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can negatively impact your oral, physical, and neurological health, too? Luckily, sleep apnea treatment can easily correct this disorder so that you can finally reclaim your health with refreshing sleep.

At Lakewood Dental Group, our dentists in Dallas, TX, are committed to helping patients improve their oral and overall health. That’s why Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel provide patients with simple yet effective sleep apnea treatments, such as oral appliance therapy.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder in which airflow is restricted by the oral structures, like the tongue, tonsils, adenoids, or a narrow throat. Patients with OSA often stop breathing for several seconds or minutes at a time, which deprives the body and brain of oxygen and interrupts sleep patterns. 

Common signs and symptoms of OSA include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping for air 
  • Mouth breathing and sore throat
  • Bruxism–or teeth grinding
  • Excessive sleepiness during the day
  • Irritability, anxiety, and depression
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Headaches and jaw pain

OSA tends to affect men more than women, but data suggest that roughly 25 million Americans are currently suffering from the sleep disorder.

What are the dangers of untreated OSA?

Extensive research suggests that untreated OSA can lead to a wide range of physical, cognitive, and neurological issues, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Higher rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes
  • Impaired immune system function
  • Brain fog and poor memory
  • Heart issues, like cardiovascular disease and arrhythmias
  • Mood disorders, like bipolar and depression
  • Neurodegeneration, like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Hormone dysregulation

What is sleep apnea treatment?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are a common method to manage OSA, but many patients find that the bulky headgear makes it too difficult for them to sleep comfortably. Additionally, many patients cannot afford the specialized equipment of CPAP machines.

At Lakewood Dental Group, we make sleep apnea treatment more accessible for patients of all backgrounds with customized oral appliances. These personalized appliances are an effective and inexpensive method to manage OSA. Furthermore, our patients find that oral appliances are much more convenient and comfortable compared to cumbersome CPAP machines.

How do oral appliances work?

Oral appliances move the jaw into better alignment while patients sleep. As a result, these appliances prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway, which allows patients to breathe freely and sleep soundly. 

What are the benefits of oral appliances for sleep apnea?

There are several benefits of treating sleep apnea with oral appliances, including:

  • Improved sleep patterns
  • Enhanced systemic health
  • Better oral health
  • A cost-effective and comfortable alternative to CPAP machines
  • Easy to transport while traveling
  • Improved quality of life

Ask Our Dentists If Sleep Apnea Treatment Is Right For You

Sleep apnea is an isolating condition that can lead to significant oral, systemic, and neurological health issues. If you’re ready to see if sleep apnea treatment is right for you, then contact the team at Lakewood Dental Group now. We can help you manage the disorder so that you can get the peaceful sleep that you deserve.

New and existing patients can schedule an appointment online, or they can call our Dallas dental office at (214) 827-1885 to schedule an appointment with an experienced Lakewood dentist.