Do you wake up still feeling tired? Have you noticed your energy and concentration levels dip throughout the week? Does your partner complain about your frequent snoring? If any of this rings true, you might be suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea. Cataloochee Dental Group can help you sleep and feel better with oral appliances to treat sleep apnea in Clyde, NC.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a patient’s breathing temporarily stops and starts again during sleep. This breathing interruption could manifest as gasping or loud snoring.
Common Signs for Sleep Apnea
Scalloped Tongue: The airway collapse will cause the tongue to want to move forward and laterally to make more room. The constant pressure of the tongue against the teeth will result in this scalloping effect.
Bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching): Bruxism can be caused by OSA. Patients with restricted airways will attempt to bring the mandible forward, often in a grinding fashion. Forces available in the mouth during stage 2-3 sleep are estimated to be up to 14 times stronger than when awake.
Why Do I Need Treatment for Sleep Apnea?
Roughly 40% of adults snore regularly, and over 50 million people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If left untreated, sleep apnea increases your risk for severe health conditions, from congestive heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease to diabetes, obesity, depression, and impotence.
Treating Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliances
We offer sleep apnea treatment with custom-made sleep appliances. While CPAP has traditionally been the prescribed recommended therapy, we are excited to provide patients treatment for sleep apnea with alternatives to the CPAP.
Although CPAP is 100% effective for OSA treatment, according to Medicare and Wall Street Journal studies, patient compliance is well below 50% within the first six months. In contrast, oral appliance therapy patients have a 96% compliance rate.
Do You Need Sleep Apnea Treatment in Near Clyde, NC?
Start sleeping and feeling better with custom oral appliances from Cataloochee Dental Group. Call us today to learn more and get started!
