Have you noticed the symptoms of sleep apnea? Do you wake up finding it difficult to breathe? The team at Mac Dental can help. Depending on your needs, Dr. Jacob McLauchlin will recommend a CPAP machine or sleep apnea appliance in Nixa, MO. These treatments benefit patients with sleep apnea and help stop the signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Below you can learn more about each treatment option. At your next dental consultation, please let Dr. McLauchlin know about your sleep apnea symptoms so he can find the right solution to meet your needs.
CPAP Machines
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is one of the best options for patients who have moderate to severe sleep apnea. During episodes of sleep apnea, patients may stop breathing for several seconds. Periods of sleep apnea can occur many times during the night. Over time, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to heart issues. A CPAP machine pushes air pressure into the throat to ensure that the airway does not collapse.
There are different sizes and types of CPAP masks. Some masks may cover the nose and mouth while others are simple nasal masks. Most CPAP machines automatically adjust air pressure according to each breath. It can take some time to get used to the CPAP mask and machine. To help make it easier to use, patients can wear their masks for short periods during the day. If you find that you have a dry mouth due to your machine, you can add a strap beneath your chin or add a CPAP-heated humidifier to the machine. Additionally, new machines are much quieter than older models. However, if your machine becomes noisy, the cause may be your filter. Check your filter to make sure that the machine stays quiet at night.
Sleep Oral Appliances in Nixa, MO
For patients with mild or moderate sleep apnea symptoms, we recommend an oral appliance. Oral appliances are similar to mouthguards because they are custom-made to fit each patient. The oral appliance is made of acrylic and covers the upper and lower teeth. It has a connector that can adjust the form of the bite. The appliance holds the tongue and pulls the jaw forward. It keeps the airway open and prevents the soft tissues of the mouth from obstructing the throat.
Wearing an oral appliance at night can prevent snoring, sleep apnea, and daytime sleepiness. It is more portable and comfortable to wear than a CPAP mask and can help reverse symptoms of sleep apnea before they worsen. Dr. McLauchlin and his dental team can take dental impressions to help create a customized oral appliance that fits you.
Treat Sleep Apnea Today
Do you or a loved one have sleep apnea? Get a good night’s sleep with sleep apnea therapy. Schedule a dental consultation with us online. You may also call Mac Dental at 417.202.0932. Let us know if you have any remaining questions about sleep apnea treatment or current symptoms. Our dentists will be happy to help.