Sleep Apnea Therapy

Sleep Better, Be Healthier

What Is Sleep Apnea?

There are a few different types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. In OSA, the soft tissues in the upper airway overrelax during sleep and interfere with a person’s ability to breathe. The resulting pauses in breathing are known as apneas. Some individuals experience hundreds of apneas per night, while people with milder OSA may experience just a few apneas each hour.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

There are a number of factors that can cause or worsen OSA, including:

• Excess body fat, particularly when it is accompanied by a large neck circumference
• Anatomical defects in the jaw or mouth, such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum
• Any substance that causes muscles to relax, such as alcohol or certain medications
• Allergies that cause inflammation and swelling in the airway
• Smoking

Although sleep apnea is most common in older individuals and men, anyone can suffer from it. That is why you should always be on the lookout for OSA symptoms and seek prompt diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have it.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

The most common symptom of OSA is loud, frequent snoring. It occurs because the same tissues that block the airway can also vibrate loudly when air passes by them.

Other possible OSA symptoms include:

• Daytime exhaustion
• Mood swings and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating and slowed reaction times
• Waking up gasping for air
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Decreased libido
• Waking up with a headache or sore throat
• Observed pauses in breathing while you sleep

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Certain lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or not drinking alcohol before bedtime, may be all that some individuals need to reduce or even eliminate their sleep apnea symptoms. However, you should not try to address your OSA on your own. A qualified doctor will help you determine the cause of your problems and the severity of your condition. Then, they can recommend the best treatment for your circumstances.

Many doctors automatically prescribe a CPAP machine, which gently forces air down the throat in order to prevent the airway from collapsing. CPAP therapy is certainly effective, but many patients find it to be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Oral appliance therapy is a viable alternative for most patients. An oral appliance is a custom-made, mouthguard like device designed by a dentist. It gently repositions the jaw in order to prevent airway obstructions.

At Feigenbaum Dental, we feature a particular type of oral appliance: the EMA

BENEFIT FROM THE EMA APPLIANCE

The EMA appliance (Elastic Mandibular Appliance) has quickly become the preferred oral appliance for treating sleep apnea because it offers many customizations and innovations for comfort and successful treatment. Unlike other oral appliances available, the EMA appliance allows the airways to stay open without restricting jaw movements for enhanced comfort. Plus, it allows for mouth breathing, which is the perfect option for those who also deal with nasal congestion.

The benefits of the EMA appliance are possible because it offers 9 different strap lengths and 4 different elastic tension options. This makes the device highly customizable for your exact needs. Using the device, we will customize the device to move the mandibular forward. By moving it forward, the oral pharynx remains open to keep the airways open while sleeping. The increased airflow not only reduces chronic snoring but the interruptions in breathing caused by sleep apnea.

Although the mandible is moved forward and held in place by the device, it doesn’t restrict jaw movement. The elastic tension bands allow you to maintain full lateral and protrusive movements of the jaw for enhanced comfort. The free movement of the jaw makes the device less restricting—perfect for those who dislike other oral devices or CPAP machines.

EMA APPLIANCE

Feigenbaum Dental is fully committed to our patients by delivering the most comprehensive care possible, even for those with sleep apnea. While you may think that snoring is normal, it is a sign of sleep apnea, which requires treatment. When left untreated, sleep apnea causes your sleep quality to diminish. Over time, you’ll not only notice your ability to get a restful night’s sleep becomes more challenging, but your day-to-day life as well. Your ability to function performing simple daily tasks becomes more difficult. In addition, your overall health will be impacted as the lack of airflow and sleep causes havoc throughout the body. You’ll develop an increased risk for stroke, heart disease, and many other complications.

Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment

The cost of conquering your sleep apnea will depend on several factors, including where you go for your initial diagnosis and the type of treatment you choose. For most individuals, medical insurance is willing to cover at least a portion of the cost of sleep apnea treatment. When you visit us for your oral sleep appliance consultation, we will give you a candid estimate for the price of your appliance and help you explore your options for dealing with the financial aspect of your treatment.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE TODAY

As your caring dentist in Creve Coeur, MO, we encourage you to seek treatment for sleep apnea to protect your health and quality of life. If you suffer from chronic snoring or suspect you may have sleep apnea, we encourage you to take a moment to take our Sleep Apnea Quiz, which includes a free consultation at our dental office if you are at risk. We will provide the correct course of treatment to keep the airways open using the EMA appliance. For treatment using a sleep apnea oral appliance in Creve Coeur, contact our office today at (314) 596-9608. 

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