Sleep Apnea
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing periodically starts and stops during the night, and it can have a serious impact on your health. Sleep apnea has been linked to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more. You may have sleep apnea if you experience some of the following:
- Loud, recurring snoring
- Daytime drowsiness or fatigue
- Choking or gasping for air in your sleep
- Neck size greater than 17 inches (for a man)
- Neck size greater than 16 inches (for a woman)
- Stopped breathing during sleep
- Unexplained weight gain/trouble losing weight
- High blood pressure
- Heightened anxiety, depression, or emotional issues
- Acid reflux
- History of stroke or heart attack
- Falling asleep during the day when activity is low
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Impotence
There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep disorder, and it can often be successfully treated in our office using a dental appliance. The second type is Central sleep apnea, in which the brain does not send correct signals to the breathing muscles. Central apneas are treated by MDs that are Certified Sleep Specialists. More severe sleep disorders may require overnight testing in a sleep lab and a CPAP machine to positively ventilate your airway. This decision on treatment options is made with you by a Certified Sleep Specialist. We can arrange an at-home sleep test by a certified sleep specialist MD that’s cost-effective and works for most people.
Treatment
Oral appliance therapy is the most common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. There are more than 80 different sleep apnea oral devices on the market today. Similar in appearance to a double retainer, they are designed to shift the lower jaw and tongue forward and down a bit, opening up the airway. Oral appliances are typically worn at night and are custom fit to each patient.
Some severe forms of apnea may require a CPAP machine or require more invasive treatments, procedures, and surgeries. Set up a consultation to determine how we can help you.
Dental Sleep Solutions
It is estimated that 25% of men and 10% of women in the USA are suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea. Most people with sleep apnea are not aware and do not think they have it.
Snoring and sleep apnea left untreated can significantly impact your health, shorten your lifespan, suppress your immune system, and put you at risk for many major health complications. Without proper restorative sleep, none of your body systems is able to heal and function properly. Because of this, the consequences of poor quality sleep are wide-ranging and serious – far more than we once thought.
We screen our patients for signs of sleep apnea and often recommend starting with an at-home 2-night sleep test, which we help arrange.
At Birch St. Dentistry in Fairmont, MN, we take pride in being at the forefront of innovative sleep apnea treatment. Specializing in cutting-edge dental appliance technology, we transform the lives of our patients. At the heart of our practice is the remarkable Panthera Classic, a sleep apnea device that offers myriad benefits to those needing a peaceful night’s rest.
The Panthera Classic stands out as a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with sleep apnea and disruptive snoring. This FDA-approved marvel is expertly designed, custom-fit, and crafted from medical-grade nylon, making it incredibly lightweight and comfortable. With a low-profile design, you can rest easy knowing that your treatment is both discrete and effective.
Our digital manufacturing process ensures a precise fit, maximizing your comfort and therapeutic efficacy. Gently repositioning your lower jaw forward during sleep, it effectively addresses snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, providing you with a more rejuvenating and uninterrupted sleep. Our commitment to the latest technology reflects our dedication to improving your well-being, offering you a path to a better quality of life through better sleep. Experience the transformation today, and contact us to explore the life-changing possibilities of this cutting-edge digital sleep apnea device.
