24
Dec
How Can a Dental Appliance Help Manage Sleep Apnea and Protect Your Health?
Untreated sleep apnea can significantly impact both health and quality of life. In Watkinsville, GA, Dr. Drew Richardson, Dr. Brant Sandifer, and the team at Athens Dental Group offer a safe and effective solution with a dental appliance for snoring that helps manage sleep apnea symptoms and reduces health risks. Here are answers to common questions about sleep apnea, its dangers, and how an oral appliance can help.
Are there dangers related to untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea disrupts breathing during sleep, causing frequent interruptions that deprive the body of oxygen, which leads to various serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. In addition to these risks, sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue, impair concentration, and even increase the risk of accidents. Treating sleep apnea is essential to prevent these long-term health problems.
How does untreated sleep apnea affect my heart?
Repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep place significant stress on the cardiovascular system. The frequent oxygen drops signal the body to increase blood pressure, which stresses the heart. This prolonged strain can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and raises the risk of heart disease and even heart attacks. Managing sleep apnea can help alleviate this stress, reducing heart-related risks.
How can an oral appliance help treat my sleep apnea?
An oral appliance for snoring provided by a dentist is a custom-fitted device that keeps the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue. Such a device helps to reduce airway obstructions during sleep and prevent breathing interruptions that characterize sleep apnea. This treatment is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea and can significantly improve breathing, sleep quality, and overall health.
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Why should I choose a sleep appliance over other apnea treatments?
While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are the standard treatment for sleep apnea, they are not always comfortable or easy to use. An oral appliance is small, portable, and much easier for many patients to tolerate, making it an excellent alternative or supplement to CPAP. For patients who travel frequently or want a simpler solution, an oral appliance provides effective relief without the hassle of a CPAP machine.
How can a dental appliance prevent long-term health issues related to sleep apnea?
By ensuring the airway remains open throughout the night, an oral appliance helps prevent the oxygen drops that lead to increased blood pressure, cardiovascular strain, and other health risks associated with sleep apnea. Consistent use of an oral appliance can reduce or even eliminate these risks, helping patients protect their health, improve sleep quality, and reduce daytime fatigue and cognitive impairments.
How can I learn more about oral appliance treatment for sleep apnea?
If you’re concerned about sleep apnea and want a comfortable, effective solution, an oral appliance may be your ideal treatment. Dr. Drew Richardson and Dr. Brant Sandifer at Athens Dental Group in Watkinsville, GA, offer personalized consultations to help you find the best way to manage sleep apnea and protect your long-term health. Contact us today at (706) 666-4611 to schedule your appointment!
Dr. Brant Sandifer Connect Dr. Brant Sandifer on LinkedIn
Highly regarded local dentist Dr. Brant Sandifer graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Biology degree from the University of Georgia. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. Since 2017, Dr. Sandifer has been dedicated to providing exceptional dental care in Athens. He is passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. Dr. Sandifer is actively involved in the community and is trusted by his patients to provide the highest standard of dental care.
Dr. Drew Richardson Connect Dr. Drew Richardson on LinkedIn
An esteemed local dentist, Dr. Drew Richardson earned his Biology degree Summa Cum Laude from the University of Georgia. As a Hinman Scholar, he graduated second in his class at the Dental College of Georgia, joining Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Societies. Dr. Richardson is a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and the L.D. Pankey study club and has advanced cosmetic training from Spear Academy. He volunteers at Georgia dental clinics such as Hope Dental Clinic and Christ Community Clinic and has participated in dental missions to Haiti.