Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by obstructions in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and liver problems.

Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. We recommend that you talk to our dentist, as well as your physician, if you suffer from the symptoms of sleep apnea. Common signs of sleep apnea include:

• Extreme drowsiness during the day
• Personality changes and irritability
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Snoring
• Waking up with a very dry or sore throat
• Frequent morning headaches

Sleep apnea treatment may depend on the severity of the condition. If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, our dentist may recommend a simple oral appliance. The appliance works to treat obstructive sleep apnea by fitting over your teeth and keeping your airway open while you sleep. It can work by preventing the tongue from blocking the air passage or by holding your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages during sleep. For more information on sleep apnea treatment, we welcome you to call or visit our dental practice today. We are committed to helping you improve your health!

Dr. Gupta will communicate and work closely with your medical doctor or sleep physician to deliver an effective, custom oral appliance to you. He will schedule regular follow-up appointments to make sure that you are getting the optimal amount of relief and the best care possible.

Research has demonstrated that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option to reduce snoring and treat obstructive sleep apnea. An oral appliance is somewhat similar to a mouth guard or orthodontic retainer; it is worn at night. The appliance helps hold the bottom jaw downwards and forwards, keeping your airway open and supporting proper breathing. In fact, many patients consider an oral appliance to be more comfortable and far quieter than CPAP therapy. Oral appliances are non-invasive and have many benefits over CPAP.