As a leading provider of non-invasive treatment for sleep apnea in Middlesex County, our dentists at Metrowest Prosthodontics pursue ongoing education about this dangerous condition at every opportunity. This year’s 2022 Sleep & Wellness Conference, “Rethink Dental Sleep Medicine,” was an excellent opportunity for our team to learn about the latest studies, innovations in alternative treatments, and breakthroughs that can positively benefit patients suffering from chronic obstructive sleep apnea.
At this year’s conference in Scottsdale, AZ, our team of Framingham, MA sleep dentists attended lectures and seminars on the topics of:
- Non-CPAP Alternatives in the Treatment of Sleep Disorders
- Patient-Centered Approach: Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation as Promising Treatment for Sleep Apnea
- Comparative Bite Position Analysis
- Much more
Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Framingham, MA
At Metrowest Prosthodontics, we specialize in Sleep Solutions for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea affects roughly 30 million people in the U.S. However, only about 20% of those who experience obstructive sleep apnea have received a diagnosis. Diagnosing this condition is of the essence, as sleep apnea increases a person’s risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Diabetes
- Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the airway, leading to an extended pause in breathing. This is often the result of the soft tissue in the throat collapsing while sleeping. The collapsed tissue blocking the airway may result from various conditions that dentists are uniquely qualified to treat including:
- TMJ disorders
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Mouth breathing
- Large tongue or tonsils
- Irregular position of neck, jaw, tongue, tissue
Non-CPAP Dental Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Since only 20% of patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are diagnosed with the condition, it’s important that you know the symptoms. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air while asleep
- Excessive sleepiness even after a full night’s sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headache
- Irritability
- Waking with a very dry mouth
- Difficulty sleeping through the night
The dentists at Metrowest Prosthodontics provide non-surgical, non-CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, by ensuring that your airway remains clear while asleep. Our sleep dentistry specialists treat this condition with Oral Appliance Therapy.
Oral appliance therapy is less cumbersome and less expensive than a CPAP machine. Instead, a custom-made oral appliance will be designed and fabricated for you to wear while you sleep. Similar to a night guard you may wear to prevent grinding your teeth, an oral appliance is a lightweight, removable device that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It ensures your jaw remains in a forward position so that your airway is unobstructed.
In addition to fitting you for a custom oral appliance, our team may make lifestyle modification recommendations to patients who suffer from sleep apnea. These may include:
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Losing weight if overweight
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Monitor medications closely-those that relax muscles may contribute to worsening sleep apnea
- Changing your sleep position to elevate your head or sleep on your side
Schedule an Appointment for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Framingham, MA
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, or suspect you may experience pauses in breathing while asleep, schedule a consultation with the sleep dentists at Metrowest Prosthodontics. As a leading Middlesex County dental practice specializing in sleep dentistry, our dentists provide the latest dental treatments for sleep apnea, to reduce health risks brought about by obstructed breathing while asleep. Call 508-620-6622 , or request an appointment online today.