Dental Appliances for Sleep Apnea
If you are looking for Sleep Apnea treatment in Downers Grove, IL, visit Jackson Family Dentistry today. Dr. Eric Jackson and Dr. Jeffrey Wascher can help fit you for dental appliances to help you sleep better and improve nighttime breathing.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is defined as sleep disturbed breathing. Snoring is an indicator of sleep apnea and triples the risk of stroke. During sleep apnea, throat muscles relax and close off the airway. As a result, a person keeps waking up and gasping for air before falling asleep again.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
Central Sleep Apnea – neurological issue due to the brain’s problems controlling respiratory muscles
Obstructive Sleep Apnea – throat airway is blocked
Mixed Sleep Apnea – a person has central and obstructive sleep apnea
According to the Sleep Foundation, 2-9% of adult Americans are affected by sleep apnea. However, many cases are undiagnosed, so the number is probably much higher.
Can Dental Devices Help with Sleep Apnea?
When you visit our office for sleep apnea treatment in Downers Grove, IL, our dentists will ask you questions about your sleep problems. Then, our doctors will see what machine is best for your condition during the consultation. The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) machine will hold your jaw in a forward position while you sleep. Snoring is reduced since the TAP device will keep your airway open.
Another device used for this disorder is the CPAP machine. This device blows air down your throat at night so your airway remains open. It consists of a mask that must be worn during sleep, an air motor, and a tube that connects the mask to the motor. In addition to improving sleep, CPAP can help lower blood pressure.
Sleep issues can cause a range of problems both day and night. Avoid daytime sleepiness and decrease your stroke risk by seeking treatment. If you suffer from sleep apnea, call Jackson Family Dental at (630) 963-6750. Our dentists Dr. Jackson and Dr. Wascher can provide professional sleep apnea treatment in Downers Grove, IL.
