Addressing Snoring and Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan
A good night’s sleep is essential for good health, making you feel rested and ready to take on the world. Yet, many people don’t get the sleep they need. Sometimes this is related to Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD)—their own, or those experienced by their sleeping partners.
SRBD is characterized by recurrent episodes of reduced or interrupted respiratory airflow. This is caused by soft tissues near the back of the throat—such as the tongue—collapsing during sleep and partially closing off the windpipe. These tissues can vibrate as air passes by, causing snoring.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Chronic loud snoring is a common symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) (“a” – without; “pnea” – breath). OSA occurs when the upper airway is blocked to the point of causing significant airflow disruption, or even no airflow whatsoever for 10 seconds or more. This is a serious condition because reduced airflow into the lungs lowers blood-oxygen levels.
A person with sleep apnea may wake 50 or more times per hour—almost once a minute!—without having any memory of it. These brief awakenings, called micro-arousals, interrupt deep and restful sleep, leading to various health issues.
What to Look Out For
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious matter that can lead to heart problems and other health issues. It’s possible you may have OSA if you snore and also suffer from any of the following:
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Excessive daytime sleepiness
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Irritability
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Poor memory/confusion
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Accident proneness
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Night sweats
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Morning headaches
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High blood pressure
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Obesity
How Schaefer Dental Group Can Help with SRBD
Your dentist in Lansing, Michigan can play a key role in treating snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. The condition can sometimes be treated with an oral appliance available at the dental office. This custom-made appliance is designed to hold the lower jaw forward during sleep.
This repositioning of the jaw moves the tongue away from the back of the throat, significantly reducing the potential for obstruction. This treatment, known as Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), is backed by scientific evidence and is an excellent, non-surgical remedy to try before moving on to more complicated breathing devices or surgery.
Only a dental professional, such as those at Schaefer Dental Group, can fabricate, fit, adjust, monitor, and treat complications associated with Oral Appliance Therapy used in managing SRBD. If you or a loved one is experiencing any combination of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, a consultation with your trusted Lansing dentist is a vital first step.