Professional Sleep Apnea Treatment in Marietta
Every night, millions of Americans face sleep interruptions due to the condition called sleep apnea. As a caring family dentist in Marietta, our team understands the restlessness and fatigue caused by this sleep disorder, and are committed to providing a solution. Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala helps patients using advanced intraoral devices that can bring much-need relief – even if other solutions have failed to work for you. At our Marietta dental office, we provide top notch dental care to the entire family – and we can even help with an effective sleep apnea treatment.
Is It Just Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
While the thought of “snoring” often conjures up the comic image of a frustrated spouse covering their ears while their partner cuts some Z’s, snoring can actually indicate a serious problem.
In fact, snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which affects on average, 2% of middle aged women and 4% of middle aged men, according to the NIH. The term apnea quite literally means “without breath.”
We don’t say all of this to frighten you, but if you or a family member snore often, and experience episodes of gasping for air in the middle of the night, it’s a good idea to seek treatment for sleep apnea, whether or not you’ve officially been diagnosed.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. The soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses while sleeping, creating a blocked airway.
A blocked airway causes several interruptions in a person’s breathing. Even though the interruptions are brief, they can occur hundreds of times throughout the night.
Common Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Episodes in which you stop breathing while sleeping (oftentimes noticed by another person)
- Gasping for air/oxygen while sleeping
- Consistent dry mouth upon awakening
- Waking up with a headache
- Loud (often disruptive) snoring
- Difficulty paying attention throughout the day
- Irritability
- Excessive sleepiness throughout the day (called hypersomnia)
- Insomnia
How Most Doctors Treat Sleep Apnea
CPAP is the most commonly prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in the United States, and for good reason; it works well if the patient can handle it.
Sleep apnea sufferers that use a CPAP often complain about the loud, bulky machine, their appearance when they wear it every night – and how much more difficult it is to sleep. Spouses don’t really like the machine either.
We have the solution to fix sleep apnea at Shining Smiles – and it’s not a CPAP machine.
How We Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea at Shining Smiles
We offer a unique, dentist-prescribed solution that can mitigate or even eliminate the symptoms associated with snoring and sleep apnea. In this treatment an intraoral appliance is used. At Shining Smiles, we’re finding that our patients who use these intraoral appliances are experiencing overwhelming success.
In general, an intraoral appliance works by slightly repositioning the jaw to allow you to breathe easier, and to disrupt normal snoring patterns. These devices are lightweight, flexible, plus most patients can use them without any discomfort.
Why See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea?
We understand that visiting a dentist to relieve snoring or sleep apnea symptoms may not be your first thought, but as more people are being made aware of this alternative to CPAP, it’s growing rapidly in popularity.
Are you ready to take the next step and try the #1 alternative to CPAP for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea treatment?
Common Questions About Sleep Apnea
What are the main causes of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is caused by the airways becoming narrow and preventing breathing during sleep. Reasons for this can include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, large tonsils, heart or kidney failure and fat stored in airway tissues.
What can happen if sleep apnea is not treated?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to heart problems, issues focusing during the day, diabetes and liver problems.
What factors are common in people living with sleep apnea?
Get Effective Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Marietta
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, Shining Smiles Family Dentistry has a proven and trusted solution to help. To start treating problem snoring and OSA, contact Dr. Mohip-Chahwala at our Marietta dental office today. Call (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment.
