Sleep Apnea Treatment in Johns Creek

What Should I Know About Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that develops when breathing stops periodically during sleep, limiting the amount of oxygen your body receives. This can cause you to feel drowsy or fatigued during the day, and it may also cause more serious complications if left untreated, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems. It’s commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 40, although it can occur at any age.

What Are Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

The following list describes some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea:

• Choking or gasping for air while sleeping
• Loud snoring
• Brief pauses in breathing during sleep
• Having a dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Waking up with a headache
• Feeling fatigued or sleepy throughout the day

What Are the Various Sleep Apnea Causes?

When you’re awake, the muscles in your throat are stiff, which promotes the flow of air by keeping your airway open. These same muscles can relax during sleep, obstructing airflow by narrowing your throat. These risk factors can also make you more likely to develop this sleeping disorder:

• Being overweight
• Male gender
• Alcohol use
• Large neck size (greater than 16 inches)
• Family history of the disorder

What Should I Know About Common Sleep Apnea Treatments?

A custom-made oral appliance worn while you’re sleeping is one of the most effective treatment methods. Our dentists use the latest advances in dental technology to create a customized device that reduces snoring and improves your breathing while sleeping. Making small changes to your lifestyle may also be beneficial, such as losing weight and sleeping on your side instead of your back. Surgery may be needed for advanced cases. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how you can improve your breathing while sleeping. Based on your symptoms, our dentists will determine if you’re the perfect candidate for an oral appliance.

How Does an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Work?

One of the most effective treatment options is a sleep apnea mouthpiece created by our dentists. It’s only worn during sleep and looks very similar to an orthodontic retainer or a sports mouth guard. The oral appliance works by keeping your jaw and tongue in a stable position, helping to expand your airway and improve your breathing during sleep.

We’ll custom-fit your appliance to make sure you have a positive treatment outcome. During your appointment, we’ll take a mold, or impression, of your teeth and mouth and send it to a dental laboratory to create a customized oral appliance. After the oral appliance has been made, you’ll come back to our office and your dentist will check for a proper fit and make any adjustments if needed. Your dentist will also give you instructions for cleaning your device and maintaining it over time. If you’d like to learn more about how an oral appliance can relieve your sleep apnea in Johns Creek, schedule an appointment today with our dentists.

How Much Does an Oral Appliance Cost?

The specific oral appliance you receive and whether you have dental insurance are the main factors that determine the cost of your sleep apnea mouth guard. Please call our office if you have any questions about the cost of your device.

How Can I Benefit From Oral Appliance Therapy Treatment (OAT)?

Oral appliance therapy offers many benefits for sleep quality and snoring reduction compared to other methods. Compared to other treatments for this condition, your oral appliance is portable, making it very convenient for travel. Your device is also easy to wear and is designed for easy cleaning. Unlike other treatments for this sleeping disorder, your oral device is non-invasive and comfortable to wear while you’re asleep. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment in our office to learn more about the advantages of oral appliance therapy.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Depending on your insurance carrier, your plan might cover some or all of the costs associated with oral appliance therapy. Contact your insurance provider for more information about coverage for an oral appliance.

Ready to learn more about how an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Johns Creek can significantly improve the quality of your sleep? Contact us today to schedule your appointment.