San Francisco, CA area patients can use oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
With a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, many patients in the area of San Francisco, CA are advised to consider the benefits of a CPAP machine. This device, while effective, is cumbersome and uncomfortable for many, causing patients to give up on using it and dealing with the consequences of obstructive sleep apnea. Instead, treatment may be easier with the help of a dentist. Dr. Leo Arellano of the San Francisco, CA community encourages patients to consider the use of oral appliance therapy as an alternative to the traditional CPAP machine.
What is oral appliance therapy?
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is a type of treatment that involves the use of a specialized mouth guard. The goal of oral appliance therapy is to keep the jaw and tongue positioned forward, the tongue down, and the airways open so that patients can breathe properly throughout the night.
Why does obstructive sleep apnea require treatment?
Obstructive sleep apnea, also referred to as OSA, is a sleeping disorder that can cause chronic problems. Some of the symptoms of the condition include:
- Wakening hundreds of times a night due to the inability to breath
- Trouble with concentration and memory
- Daytime fatigue
- Insomnia
- Chronic snoring
- Gasping and waking for air at night
When a sleeping partner notices these issues, it is important for them to encourage the individual to seek help with a sleep study via their primary care physician or dentist to get a proper diagnosis of their sleeping disorder. Once this has occurred, a physician can prescribe oral appliance therapy for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Only dentists may provide this type of alternative treatment to CPAP.
Using oral appliance therapy
Instead of dealing with an awkward device such as the traditional CPAP machine, our professionals may encourage the use of oral appliance therapy instead. By wearing an oral appliance at night, patients can maintain open airways to improve their abilities to breathe throughout the night. This, in turn, allows patients to achieve the deep and restorative sleep they need to feel their best each day. Without this deep sleep, patients are never getting the rest they require, and even though they are “sleeping” for seven or eight hours a night, they are sometimes getting much less due to never reaching REM stages of sleep. This is the deeper stage of sleep needed for the body to recover from the day and be restful for the following day as well.
Have a discussion with your dentist about treatment for obstructive sleep apnea
Patients who have obstructive sleep apnea need to work with a professional who has experience in providing care and attention for this and other conditions. Call the office of Dr. Leo Arellano to learn about the advantages of using oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. The office is conveniently located at 3030 Geary Boulevard and can be reached at 415-881-4343.
