SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA
Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical treatment. In most cases, patients diagnosed with sleep apnea use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping to help the body get the oxygen it needs for optimum performance. However, CPAP machines are not the best treatment for everyone, as only approximately 50% of patients adhere to the doctor’s instructions for various reasons. The board-certified family dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry offer another treatment method to help patients manage sleep apnea. As an alternative treatment, oral appliance therapy can provide the same sleep apnea relief without the CPAP machine’s noise.
How does CPAP treatment fail some users?
Patients with sleep apnea use the gold-standard treatment, a CPAP machine while sleeping, to force air into the airways. Unfortunately, the device can be noisy and disturb your partner while sleeping. Some patients also state the equipment is uncomfortable even though they visit the clinic to have adjustments made. Traveling with a CPAP machine is not convenient either as the device is bulky and awkward. These and other reasons are why patient compliance with doctor’s orders and machine use is deficient. The sleep apnea dentists in Santa Cruz understand that some patients are intolerant to CPAP treatment and therefore offer additional sleep apnea remedies.
How does an oral appliance work to improve sleep apnea?
An oral appliance is a custom-fitted dental appliance that maintains the patency of your posterior pharynx. The device is worn while sleeping and moves the mandible forward while keeping your tongue in an anterior position. The oral appliance adjusts your bite to remove the airway blockage. For patients who suffer from moderate to severe sleep apnea and try CPAP with no success, the oral appliance can help restore your restful nights and improve daytime sleepiness symptoms. The well-trained Los Gatos dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry can fit your mouth and make appropriate adjustments to the device for optimum performance.
How do I know which sleep apnea treatment is best for me?
People who suffer from sleep apnea often have a partner tell them they gasp for air or snore while sleeping as most do not realize they have the condition. When you find out about your breathing cessation while sleeping, you must visit your doctor to determine the extent of your situation through a sleep study. After your results, schedule a consultation with our sleep apnea dentists in Scotts Valley to see if oral appliance therapy is right for you. If you’re already a CPAP user but ready to pull the cord on your machine, call us for an appointment to help you on your journey for a better night’s rest and more energy.
Sleep Apnea Dentist in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California
Living with sleep apnea is challenging as it affects your focus and daily activities. Even though CPAP therapy can efficiently provide quality sleep, you may find the unit cumbersome to sleep with or too noisy for your partner to sleep. Therefore, when seeking alternative treatments to CPAP, contact the professional dental team in Los Gatos to consult about your new custom-created oral appliance. Feel free to call Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry at (831) 438-4411 or request an appointment online so that you can get better rest tonight and take on the day tomorrow.
