19
Nov
Getting Rid of Sleep Apnea with Minimally Invasive Treatment
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a severe sleep disorder in which breathing starts and stops repeatedly when sleeping. This condition affects sleep because patients rarely reach the deep, restorative level of sleep. Untreated OSA does more than affect sleep patterns. Prolonged sleep and oxygen deprivation strain your major organs, putting you at risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and other systemic conditions.Â
Have you had enough of sleep apnea? It’s time to schedule an appointment with A Brush Above Family Dentistry. Drs. Marcella Guzman, Philip Fidel, and Rosa Sinno treat OSA without surgery or cumbersome machines. We use a simple, custom-fitted device (oral appliance therapy) to overcome OSA, restoring your health and life.
How do I know I have sleep apnea?
OSA occurs when the muscles in the upper airway relax, causing cessation in breathing when sleeping. Breathing can stop for a scary 10 seconds, and these episodes can recur several times during the night. People with sleep apnea rarely sleep well because when breathing stops, the brain awakens you to restore breathing.Â
The following are the common symptoms of OSA:Â
- Loud snoring
- Excessive tiredness during the day
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a dry/sore throat
- Anxiety, irritability, and mood changes
- Waking up at night choking or gasping for air
- Reduced sex drive
- Poor concentration during the day
OSA isn’t just a snoring problem. It can be potentially life-threatening. That’s why you need prompt treatment as soon as you can. The good news is that treating OSA doesn’t necessarily require invasive treatments.Â
How is sleep apnea treated?
Many medical practitioners treat OSA with a CPAP machine. This device draws air from the room and forces it past your airway through a mask on your mouth or nose. The CPAP machine keeps your airway open when sleeping, preventing apneic episodes. Although CPAPs work, many people find them bulky and comfortable.Â
Can you not tolerate CPAP therapy? There’s yet another treatment option. Our doctor uses a custom-designed oral device created after taking your bite impressions. This device looks like a mouthguard that people wear during sports, only that it’s worn when sleeping. A sleep apnea mouthguard repositions the lower jaw to a more forward position to increase the space in the airway for better breathing. Some appliances also suppress the tongue to prevent collapse when sleeping.Â
A custom-fitted device works effectively for mild to moderate OSA. Keeping your airway open when sleeping allows you to breathe and sleep better to support optimal physical and emotional health.Â
Call our office for more information
New Patients: (773) 840-0378 | Existing Patients: (773) 276-0300
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What are the benefits of oral appliance therapy (OAT)?
Have you tried CPAP therapy, and it doesn’t work? A sleep apnea mouthguard treats numerous OSA cases, and its benefits are the following:Â
- Minimally invasive treatment
- It doesn’t need electricity to work
- It’s easy to use
- Comfortable treatment
- Portability
- It also works for snoring
Do you need sleep apnea treatment?
Treating OSA is vital for your physical and emotional health. So, if you are struggling with OSA in Chicago, Illinois, schedule an appointment with A Brush Above Family Dentistry. We’ll help restore your healthy sleep and life.Â
Dr. Marcella Guzman
Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.