Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which people experience frequent breathing interruptions during sleep. Typically, sleep apnea is caused by soft tissues in the back of the throat blocking the airway, and though it can affect people of all ages. Sleep apnea should not be taken lightly. The continual interruption of sleep can diminish the amount of oxygen that the body takes in, which can exacerbate many health problems and contribute to a wide range of life-threatening conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and even depression. Fortunately, at Parkside Dental Care, we can help.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, chances are, you are aware of the most common treatment method which is continuous positive airway pressure, more commonly referred to as the CPAP machine. This machine incorporates a plastic breathing mask to be placed over the nose while patient’s sleep, and the CPAP machine uses air pressure to gently force the upper airway passage to remain open. Although the machine works well and the straps that hold the mask in place are adjustable, many people find the machine cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear.
If you are intolerant of the CPAP or are simply interested in other solutions, we at Parkside Dental Care offer the use of a dental appliance to help control sleep apnea. These oral appliances help keep the airway open when a patient is lying down. The dental device fits over the teeth in a fashion similar to an athletic mouth guard. It works by easing the jaw forward to prevent the tongue and tissues around the back of the tongue from settling in the main air passage. For many patients with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea, this small device is enough to solve the problem.
Is An Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Covered by Insurance?
Although the CPAP has been the gold standard in sleep apnea treatment for a long time, insurance companies are finally recognizing the true value in oral appliances for treatment and starting to include them in their coverage. Schedule a consultation with us and we will see how the sleep apnea oral appliance fits into you insurance plan.
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, let the experts at Parkside Dental Care help you find the right solution.