SLEEP APNEA
Approximately 1 in 15 Americans have sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a specific type of sleeping disorder that’s caused by airway blockage in the back of your mouth and upper throat/airway. Because of its etiology, obstructive sleep apnea can often be treated with a specialized mouthpiece fitted by a trained sleep dentist.
At Panhandle Dental, our Amarillo sleep dentistry services incorporate scientifically proven strategies to manage sleep apnea symptoms without a bulky CPAP machine.
How Does an Oral Sleep Appliance Work?
Custom oral sleep appliances—also called “mandibular advancement devices”—are special mouthguards you wear while sleeping. They are fitted in such a way that the lower part of the mouthpiece guides your jaw forward, preventing soft tissues from blocking your upper airway. These devices are FDA-approved for managing sleep apnea, but they can only be fitted by a dentist (rather than your pulmonologist.)
Compared to a CPAP machine, oral sleep appliances are easier to clean and travel with, are more discreet, and offer more freedom to sleep in your preferred position.
What if You Need a Sleep Study?
We can arrange to have you take an at-home sleep test to measure your breathing and sleep cycles without staying in an overnight medical facility. Your sleep study is read by a licensed sleep specialist, and an oral appliance can be prescribed based on the type of sleeping disorder you have.
When you visit Panhandle Dental for your exam, we will review a sleep cycle questionnaire and perform a breath test to screen for observable symptoms of sleeping disorders. At that point, we can make recommendations as to whether further testing is necessary.
Trouble Sleeping? Don’t Want a CPAP?
Clinical sleep apnea can raise your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. Call our Amarillo sleep dentistry team today to learn more about oral appliance therapy and how we can help you get a better night’s rest.
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