In today’s age, we can’t afford to miss an ounce of restful, restorative sleep. But some conditions – like sleep apnea – can make rejuvenating sleep hard to come by. Luckily, medical professionals have made tremendous strides in advancing the effectiveness of sleep apnea treatment, especially through general dentistry solutions.
Do you catch yourself snoring at night? Do you wake up feeling groggy and wishing for an extra hour of sleep? If so, then you might benefit from modern sleep apnea treatment at Town & Country Dental. Our dentist in Oak Park, IL, can help you diagnose the condition and choose treatments that work best for you. Contact Dr. Thomas W. Wegner at (708) 383-0330 for better sleep today!
With almost 40 million Americans living with obstructive sleep apnea, modern treatment for the condition has never been more important. In today’s blog, we want to explore some of the groundbreaking developments that have reshaped the way medical professionals approach sleep apnea treatment.
Precision Diagnostics
Recent strides in medical technology are taking the world of sleep medicine by storm. Sophisticated technology and tools enable healthcare professionals to diagnose sleep conditions better and more accurately than ever before.
Today, sleep specialists can pinpoint the cause of apnea using modern diagnostic tools, such as:
- Home sleep apnea testing devices
- Wearable monitors
- Advanced sleep labs equipped with state-of-the-art sensors
Technological Innovation
In years past, patients could gain better sleep with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. These machines deliver a steady stream of air to the lungs, helping sleepers get the oxygen they need. However, the constant stream of air makes it hard for some patients to breathe naturally while resting.
To help patients breathe more naturally, medical professionals created a bilevel continuous positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine. This machine works with the sleeper’s natural breathing, allowing them to experience deeper, more restful sleep.
Oral Appliances
For those who find CPAP or BiPAP therapy cumbersome, oral appliances may be an ideal solution for obstructive sleep apnea treatment. These devices (which patients wear like a mouthguard) reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
Surgical Advancements
In cases where non-invasive sleep apnea treatments prove insufficient, contemporary surgical interventions may be the best option. Today, patients and doctors can explore numerous surgical sleep apnea treatments, including:
- Genioglossus advancement (GA)
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS)
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
Lifestyle Interventions and Behavioral Therapies
Many conditions, behaviors, and lifestyle choices can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, including:
- Stress
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Weight gain
Luckily, medical experts are endorsing lifestyle and behavioral therapies as conservative sleep apnea treatments, including:
- Weight management programs
- Tobacco cessation programs
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
Sleep Apnea Treatment with a Dentist in Oak Park, IL
Ultimately, a holistic and modern approach to sleep apnea treatment is the best way to prevent restless nights. If you’d like to explore some of the futuristic advancements made in sleep medicine, contact Town & Country Dental today. You can request a consultation with Dr. Wegner here, or you can dial (708) 383-0330 for more information.