Sleep apnea treatment in Florida

What Happens with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

With OSA, your airway closes because the soft tissue at the back of your throat collapses. You cannot get air into your lungs and less oxygen reaches the brain. Eventually, your brain realizes what is happening and it sends a signal to the muscles in your airway to tighten back up so you can breathe once again. You may gasp for air after not breathing for a while, but you probably will not remember doing this. OSA often goes undiagnosed if you don’t have someone to witness your lapses in breathing. Up to 80 percent of people with OSA go undiagnosed because they attribute their exhaustion to a hectic lifestyle or their poor memory to getting older.

What Sleep Apnea Symptoms Would I See?

If you suspect you or a loved one has OSA, the symptoms include:

• Significant daytime sleepiness
• Loud snoring with occasionally long pauses between snores
• Irritability
• Trouble concentrating
• Poor memory
• Difficulty concentrating

What Are Some of the Sleep Apnea Causes or Risks?

Risk factors for OSA include:

• Being overweight
• Being male
• Being over 40
• Having a thick tongue
• Having a large neck size
• A family history of OSA

What Types of Sleep Apnea Treatment Can I Find in Pembroke Pines?

Treatments to keep your airway open while you sleep include CPAP machines, which are breathing machines that push compressed air into your lungs, a sleep apnea mouthpiece, and surgery if the CPAP machine or mouthpiece is not effective. Several different surgeries could be a viable option for your situation.

For overweight or obese individuals, weight loss, eliminating alcohol and sleeping on their side, can help.

Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea

What Is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

An oral appliance is a custom-made mouthpiece that moves the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. Some appliances keep your tongue from falling backwards as well. The appliance fits over your teeth, resembling a sports mouth guard or a retainer. Many patients find it easy to wear compared to a CPAP mask. Contact our dental office if you are interested in obtaining an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Pembroke Pines.

How Much Does a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard Usually Cost?

Our dentist would have to look at your diagnosis and examine your jaw before deciding which type of mouthpiece will work best for you. After your examination, our dentist can give you an anticipated cost. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.

Why Should I Consider Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) Treatment?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says oral appliances work for mild to moderate OSA and snoring appliances are also effective when OSA isn’t present. They are talking about custom appliances from a dentist, not the cheap appliances sold online that rarely work. In fact, getting a cheap appliance can cause harm to your teeth and jaw.

Oral appliances are more comfortable than wearing a mask, so patients usually stick with their therapy. Contact our office to learn more about how OAT can benefit you if you have sleep apnea in Pembroke Pines.

What Type of Insurance Covers Oral Appliances?

Your medical insurance may cover oral appliance therapy. Many medical insurance plans do since OSA increases your risk for several serious medical problems. For example, having untreated moderate OSA increased your chance of having a stroke. Check with your policy provider for details.