Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects almost one billion people worldwide. It occurs when an individual’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The condition leads to decreasing sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and other health issues, such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Fortunately, there are several options for sleep apnea treatment, including general dentistry treatments.
Are you waking up tired, groggy, or gasping for air? You may be living with sleep apnea. The team at Town and Country Dental can help you assess your condition and offer non-invasive solutions to address sleep apnea. Start getting the restful sleep you deserve today by calling our Oak Park, IL, dental office at (708) 383-0330!
When it comes to sleep apnea treatment, you have options. In this blog, we discuss different kinds of sleep apnea treatments so that you can make the best choice for you and your health.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
CPAP therapy is one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea. This type of therapy uses a machine to deliver a continuous stream of pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep.
A CPAP machine delivers this continuous, pressurized air through a mask and tubing with the help of an ultra-quiet motor. Patients wear the mask over the nose, mouth, or both, depending on the individual’s needs.
CPAP therapy is highly effective in treating sleep apnea. As a result, patients can improve their sleep quality, limit systemic diseases, and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Therapy
BiPAP therapy is similar to CPAP therapy. However, it delivers two levels of pressure instead of one.
The machine delivers a higher pressure during inhalation and a lower pressure during exhalation. This type of therapy is ideal for individuals who have trouble exhaling against the higher pressure of a CPAP machine.
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) Therapy
APAP therapy is a newer type of sleep apnea treatment. This kind of therapy adjusts the air pressure automatically based on the individual’s breathing patterns. The machine accomplishes this by constantly monitoring the individual’s breathing and adjusting the pressure accordingly.
This type of sleep apnea treatment is often more comfortable than CPAP or BiPAP therapy. As a result, APAP therapy is the most commonly prescribed therapy for sleep apnea and snoring today.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive general dentistry solution that involves wearing a device in the mouth during sleep. The oral appliance is similar in appearance and function to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. The device fits over the teeth, which repositions the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
Oral appliance therapy is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea. It may also be a better option for patients who cannot tolerate PAP therapy.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Oak Park, IL
Aside from surgical intervention, these are just four ways that patients can pursue sleep apnea treatment for restful sleep. Are you ready to see which option is best for you? Contact Dr. Thomas W. Wegner at Town and Country Dental online here or at (708) 383-0330 now!