Effective Sleep apnea treatments in Mesa, AZ
Are you having a tough time staying asleep? Do you wake up feeling as though you haven’t slept at all? Is your partner complaining that all of your sleeplessness is keeping him or her from getting a full night’s rest? We all know that a good night’s sleep is important to our overall health and wellness. Yet, it can be difficult to determine if your insomnia or lack of sleep is due to a rough day at work or to a more complicated health problem. One common cause of insufficient sleep affecting many patients is called sleep apnea.
Patients who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing during their sleep. These episodes last longer than 10 seconds and can occur up to 90 times every hour. With all that disruption, it’s hard to imagine anyone getting the rest they need in order to function or be healthy. Sleep apnea often causes snoring and gasping for air as the patient awakes from sleep. However, not just the patient’s beauty sleep suffers. Sleep apnea can cause further medical problems, as oxygen flow to the brain is restricted during an episode.
After sleep apnea is diagnosed, physicians will usually direct the patient to sleep with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This apparatus includes a mask connected to a machine that maintains airflow to prevent sleep apnea episodes. While effective if worn, the disadvantage to the CPAP machine is often compliance. Many patients claim that the machine is cumbersome or uncomfortable, so instead of using it, the CPAP machine sits on the nightstand or in a bedside drawer.
However, there is another option. Dentists like Dr. Edward Fritz of New Health Dental in Mesa, AZ helps patients find relief from sleep apnea with a more comfortable treatment method. Understanding that the most effective treatment is one that patients will use, Dr. Fritz fits his patients with an oral appliance that shifts the jaw and ensures that the tongue does not cover the patient’s airway. The appliance often reminds people of a sports mouth guard – it is small, making it easy to travel with and to keep clean. Most patients who have used both the CPAP machine and the appliance prefer the oral appliance due to its comfort and ease of use.
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or if you believe you could be suffering from the disorder. Call Dr. Fritz to determine the best treatment plan for your condition. Dr. Fritz and the team at New Health Dental will help you find relief and get the good night’s sleep you need, and deserve!
