Having a Comfortable Nights Sleep
If you wake up tired or have drowsiness throughout the day, there is a chance you are not sleeping optimally. Get your energy back by receiving a sleep screening from Advanced Dentistry of Amarillo. If you have already been told you need to sleep with an uncomfortable and noisy CPAP machine, Dr. Miller both have specialized training in the area of dental sleep medicines and may be able to find you a suitable, more comfortable alternative.
What is a sleep breathing disorder?
‘Sleep breathing disorder’ refers to any problem with maintaining a wide-open, fully functioning airway during sleep. One of the most serious sleep breathing disorders is Sleep Apnea, which occurs when the airway collapses, restricting the flow of oxygen to the body and brain. This problem can happen from a momentary collapse of soft tissue near the back of the tongue, which blocks the airway during sleep. Whatever the cause, the result is the restriction of airflow. Sensors in your brain go off when oxygen level decreases, and cause you to wake up to move and get oxygen. This can happen many times during the night without you even being aware, and this is why you may wake up with residual tiredness.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Snoring is the most common symptom of a sleep breathing disorder. If you or your bed partner snore, this is NOT normal and should be evaluated. Other symptoms of sleep apnea can include weight gain and loss of libido. Left untreated, a sleep apnea patient has a much higher risk of developing certain chronic ailments, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, a stroke, depression, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
How can my dentist relieve Sleep Apnea symptoms?
Dr. Trey Miller can help. We can alleviate the symptoms of a sleep breathing disorder by prescribing a custom made oral sleep/snore appliance. When worn at night, the appliance keeps the lower jaw in its ideal forward resting position and maintains an open airway. Many dentists prescribe sleep appliances that arbitrarily move the lower jaw forward a certain number of millimeters to gain space for the tongue. The difference here at Advanced Dentistry of Amarillo is that we prescribe sleep/snore appliances in the neuromuscular position. This means that you will not develop muscle soreness or tooth movement with our appliance, as is common with traditional dental sleep appliances.
If you or a member of your family has any of the symptoms discussed above, especially if one of those symptoms is SNORING, then a sleep screening is indicated!
To learn more about our Sleep Apnea services, contact our office and request a consultation.
Advanced Dentistry of Amarillo is proud to serve patients in Amarillo, Canyon, Dalhart and the surrounding Texas Panhandle.