Sleep Apnea Treatment: Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) in Bonita Springs

What Is Sleep Apnea in Bonita Springs?

This particular sleep disorder is usually treated by your dentist and often is physiological rather than biological. During the day, your throat muscles are typically rigid and allow for an ample amount of airflow. When you sleep, however, your throat muscles relax, which narrows the throat and inhibits the flow of air. Your body then jolts you awake with coughing, and your sleep is disrupted. Those with severe sleep apnea may experience 200 or more episodes of sleep disruption during the night! This definitely precludes getting good quality sleep.

What Are Some Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Signs

If you have a partner, they may complain about your nightly snoring episodes. If you don't anyone telling you that you snore and you have any of the following signs and symptoms, you should call our Bonita Springs office to schedule an appointment. Symptoms include:

• Breathing pauses while sleeping
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Frequent, loud snoring
• Morning headaches
• Sleepiness during the day

Any of these can indicate the presence of a sleep disorder, so don't neglect them.

What Causes Sleep Apnea

This sleep disorder can occur for several reasons, but the following four are the most common sleep apnea causes:

• Family history of the disorder
• Male gender
• Neck circumference greater than 16 inches
• Obesity or overweight

Although most of us tend to relegate sleep to the list of not-very-important items, it's actually vital for your body to rejuvenate and function well during the daytime. If your sleep seems to be suffering, call our Bonita Springs dental office, and we can help.

Is There a Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Bonita Springs

Your Bonita Springs dentist is the best place to go for treatment of this sleep disorder. You may be assigned a portable monitor or need to take a polysomnography test at a testing center. Severe cases may require surgery. However, relief is usually available without surgical intervention.

Sometimes, relief is obtained through a sleep apnea mouthpiece, which is similar to a sports guard used by athletes. A sleep apnea mouth guard holds the tongue in the forward position during sleep so it doesn't fall to the back of the mouth and inhibit your breathing. If you're interested in one of these dental appliances, call our Bonita Springs office, and we can help you.

Dental Appliance for OAT Therapy

Is There an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea in Bonita Springs

A custom mouth guard is the most common oral appliance used to treat this sleep disorder. It's effective and is usually covered by insurance, so it's very popular.

What Are the Benefits of OAT Treatments

OAT treatments that use a mouth guard are very popular for several reasons, such as:

• The appliance is easy to maintain
• The appliance is portable, so you can easily take it with you when you travel
• The treatment is non-invasive

Your mouthguard will provide better sleep quality, so you'll feel more rested and alert during the day.

What's the Cost of an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea

Your cost for your appliance will be unique to you and will be influenced by the type of appliance you select and your insurance coverage. Each patient is unique so there is no set cost for any dental treatment. If you need a sleep mouthpiece but finances are an issue, let us know. We want you to have the treatments you need and will work with you.

Avoid the tendency to think, “It's only sleep,” because driving or operating machinery when you're drowsy can be very dangerous. Get the high-quality sleep you need so you don't endanger yourself or others.

Will My Insurance Cover an Oral Appliance for Sleep Disorder Treatment?

Most insurance companies will cover part or all of the cost of a mouthguard. We recommend that you speak to your provider before your appointment so you'll know the extent of your benefits.

For a better night's sleep, call our Bonita Springs dental office for an appointment.

We look forward to working with you.