Sleep Apnea

Restful Sleep Starts Here

When restful sleep becomes elusive due to sleep apnea, it affects every aspect of your life — from your energy levels and mood to your overall health and well-being. At Jackson Family Dentistry in Downers Grove, we understand the profound impact that untreated sleep apnea can have on you and your family. As your trusted family dentist, Dr. Eric Jackson and our experienced team are here to provide effective, comfortable solutions for managing sleep apnea right here in our convenient location.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more per hour. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.

While sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, it often goes undiagnosed because many people are unaware they have it. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to serious health complications including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

How Your Dentist Can Help with Sleep Apnea

You might be surprised to learn that your dentist plays a crucial role in sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. During routine dental examinations, Dr. Jackson can identify oral indicators that may suggest sleep apnea, such as:

• Worn tooth surfaces from teeth grinding (bruxism)
• A large tongue or tonsils
• A narrow airway
• Jaw positioning that may contribute to airway obstruction

As an experienced family dentist, Dr. Jackson works closely with sleep specialists and physicians to ensure you receive comprehensive care. If sleep apnea is suspected, we can refer you for a sleep study and collaborate on your treatment plan.

Oral Appliance Therapy

For patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, custom-made oral appliances offer an effective, comfortable alternative to CPAP machines. These specially designed devices work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:

• Comfort and Convenience: Custom-fitted appliances are comfortable to wear and easy to travel with
• Quiet Operation: Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are completely silent
• Improved Compliance: Many patients find oral appliances easier to use consistently
• Portability: No electricity, hoses, or masks required

At Jackson Family Dentistry, we take precise impressions to create a custom oral appliance that fits comfortably and effectively addresses your specific needs. Dr. Jackson will work with you to ensure proper fit and make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and effectiveness.

Why Choose Jackson Family Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Treatment

When searching for sleep apnea Downers Grove IL or sleep apnea Naperville IL treatment options, it’s important to choose a dental practice with experience in sleep medicine. Dr. Eric Jackson has extensive training in sleep apnea treatment and stays current with the latest advances in oral appliance therapy. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Thorough evaluation and screening for sleep apnea risk factors
• Collaboration with sleep physicians and specialists
• Custom oral appliance fabrication and fitting
• Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
• Education on sleep hygiene and lifestyle factors

We pride ourselves on creating a comfortable, welcoming environment where patients feel at ease discussing their sleep concerns. Our team takes time to explain treatment options thoroughly and answer all your questions.

The Treatment Process

Your journey to better sleep begins with a comprehensive consultation where we’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and sleep patterns. If an oral appliance is recommended, we’ll take detailed impressions and measurements to create your custom device.

Once your appliance is ready, we’ll ensure proper fit and teach you how to use and care for it. Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. We also coordinate with your physician to ensure your treatment is effectively managing your sleep apnea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if I have sleep apnea? 

A: Common signs include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, morning headaches, and excessive daytime fatigue. A sleep study is needed for definitive diagnosis.

Q: Are oral appliances as effective as CPAP machines? 

A: For mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances can be very effective and are often better tolerated than CPAP therapy.

Q: Will my insurance cover oral appliance therapy? 

A: Many insurance plans cover oral appliances for sleep apnea treatment. Our team can help verify your benefits.

Q: How long do oral appliances last? 

A: With proper care, most oral appliances last 3-5 years or longer.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

Don’t let sleep apnea continue to impact your health and quality of life. Contact Jackson Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you achieve the restful sleep you deserve. Serving patients throughout Downers Grove, Naperville, and surrounding communities, we’re here to be your partner in better sleep and better health.