Sleep Apnea Treatment in Douglasville, GA
Did you know that your dentist in Douglasville can treat snoring and sleep apnea? It is estimated that more than 90 million North Americans snore. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway completely collapses blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person. Unconsciously, you will close the jaw returning the tongue and throat to a normal position.
Sleep Apnea & Oxygen Deprivation
The sleep apnea cycle - falling asleep, jaw relaxing, airway collapsing, unconsciously awakening with a gasp, falling back asleep - can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour during the night. With a blocked air passage, one does not receive enough oxygen. Both the awakenings and oxygen deprivation can then trigger other health problems.
Oral Appliance Therapy
There is a new solution available to those who snore or have sleep apnea - an oral appliance similar to an athletic mouth guard that is worn while sleeping. The appliance holds the lower jaw forward, preventing the tongue and soft tissue of the throat and soft tissue of the throat from collapsing into the airway. This appliance reduces sleep apnea associated health risks without the need for surgery, medications, or other more cumbersome therapy. There is a 96% success rate for people who are candidates and are treated with a dental sleep appliance.