Quick Summary
Oral therapy sleep devices are dental appliances that may help certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea keep their airway open during sleep. They can be an option for some patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Our dentist can evaluate your dental needs and work as part of your care team to determine whether an oral sleep device may be appropriate.
If you snore loudly or your breathing stops repeatedly as you sleep, we encourage you to ask Abingdon Dental Arts about our oral therapy sleep devices. Interrupted breathing patterns may be a result of obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by obstructions in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver problems. It is important to have this condition treated, but sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. We recommend that you talk to our dentist, as well as your medical doctor, if you suffer from the symptoms of sleep apnea. Common signs of sleep apnea include:
• Extreme drowsiness during the day
• Personality changes and irritability
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Snoring
• Awakening with a very dry or sore throat
• Frequent morning headaches
Sleep apnea treatment may depend on the severity of the condition. If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we may provide an oral appliance if requested by your sleep doctor. The oral appliance works to treat obstructive sleep apnea by fitting over your teeth and keeping your airway open while you sleep. It can work by preventing the tongue from blocking the air passage or by holding your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages during sleep. For more information about how we help to treat sleep apnea in Abingdon, Virginia, we welcome you to call or visit our dental practice today. We are committed to helping you improve your health!
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Therapy Sleep Devices
What are oral therapy sleep devices?
Oral therapy sleep devices are dental appliances that may be used to help keep the airway open during sleep for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Who may benefit from an oral sleep appliance?
Oral appliances may be an option for some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Your sleep physician must diagnose sleep apnea and determine whether an oral appliance is appropriate.
What are common signs of sleep apnea?
Common signs can include loud snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep, daytime drowsiness, difficulty staying asleep, morning headaches, irritability and waking with a dry or sore throat.
Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance?
Sleep apnea should be diagnosed by a sleep physician. If an oral appliance is appropriate, coordination with your medical and dental providers can help determine the right treatment approach.
Can an oral appliance replace CPAP therapy?
An oral appliance is not appropriate for every patient and should not be viewed as a replacement for another treatment without guidance from your sleep physician and dental provider.
How much do oral sleep appliances cost in Abingdon, VA?
Cost depends on the appliance and your individual treatment needs. Contact Abingdon Dental Arts to discuss whether an oral appliance may be appropriate and to learn about treatment costs.