Improve Your Quality Of Rest With Sleep Apnea Treatment In East Lansing, MI

If you snore, you’ve got a lot of company! Did you know that 45% of adults snore occasionally and more than 25% of us are habitual snorers? Also, more than half of men over sixty snore regularly. Although snoring can cause tension with a spouse or roommate, there's no reason to be embarrassed when a procedure like sleep apnea treatment can help!

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

We all know what snoring is, but not everyone knows about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a debilitating sleep disorder that can significantly affect all aspects of life. It’s caused by relaxed throat muscles, and snoring is a symptom.

With OSA, breathing stops and starts during sleep, repeatedly all night long. People with OSA can experience these additional symptoms:

During the night:

• snoring
• gasping for air
• dry mouth
• insomnia

During the day:

• headaches upon waking
• insomnia
• sleepiness, tiredness, grogginess
• distraction & decreased focus
• irritability
• depression
• anxiety

How Can Oral Appliances Address OSA Symptoms?

For many of our patients who suffer from sleep apnea, we prescribe an oral appliance called a mandibular advancement device. Also known as a dental sleep device, it is one of the most commonly used oral appliances. It looks like a sports mouthguard. Its function is to bring the lower jaw forward to help keep the throat muscles (which collapse during sleep apnea) tight, so that they can’t drop to obstruct your breath.

We’ll thoroughly examine your teeth, mouth, and jaw to determine whether you are a good candidate for a custom-fitted device.

While we create your appliance, you can do these things at home to get a jump on a good night’s sleep:

• Create a relaxing pre-bedtime ritual – reading or meditation is ideal. Avoid computers, laptops, & smartphones.
• Establishing regular sleep patterns – go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. Even on weekends and holidays.
• Don’t nap.
• Keep your bedroom cool.
• Avoid heavy meals before sleep.
• Limit alcohol.
• Exercise – a 30-minute brisk walk each day, yoga classes, bike rides, or play your favorite sport (wear a protective mouthguard if there’s any chance of contact).

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

We’ll evaluate your symptoms and medical history before referring you to a sleep specialist who will also evaluate your symptoms and medical history, plus your current physical health, and perform a “sleep study.” A sleep study analyzes how you sleep and how your body responds to sleep-related issues. The study records your vital signs, oxygen in your blood, air movement through your system, brain activity, chest movements, and snoring. If you do have OSA, the severity will be determined. The sleep study and the physical exam may also shed light on the cause of your OSA.

As a compassionate dentist in East Lansing, we want you to get a good night’s sleep so that your days are productive, happy, and safe. We’re always here to help, and new patients are always welcome! Call us at (517) 210-0428 today!

Contact East Lansing Modern Dental About Sleep Apnea Treatment Today!

• Mitigate daytime fatigue and increase energy
• Lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes
• Enhance your cognitive function
• Reduce breathing interruptions as you sleep
• Improve your mood and decrease irritability!