If you have sleep apnea, your dentist may be able to help.
Dealing with extreme exhaustion throughout the day? Do you never wake up feeling rested despite getting enough sleep? If so, there's a good chance your suffering from sleep apnea. The problem is that untreated sleep apnea can also leave you prone to serious health problems such as hypertension and diabetes. Did you know that if you do have obstructive sleep apnea, our Fort Worth, TX, dentist Dr. William Ralstin and Dr. Adam Furman may be able to provide treatment?
After all, Dr. Ralstin and Furman have a broad knowledge of the head and neck, making them an excellent resource for sleep apnea treatment.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea happens when the muscles that line the roof of the mouth and the top of the throat sag across the airway during sleep. This may be a neurological issue (known as central sleep apnea, or CSA) or it may be due to anatomical problems (obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA). If you are dealing with OSA, this is where our dentist may be able to help you.
What is oral appliance therapy?
Just like you would wear a mouthguard before playing sports or a nightguard to stop teeth grinding while you sleep, an oral appliance should be worn every night to manage symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. This device is a custom-made sleep apnea treatment designed by our award-winning Fort Worth, TX, dentist Dr. Ralstin and Dr. Furman.
This simple and non-invasive oral device can help you breathe better, get quality sleep, say goodbye to loud snoring, and wake up feeling refreshed. Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for both obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. You must continue to wear your oral appliance every night, even once symptoms improve.
There are a variety of oral appliance options, and our dental team will discuss those options with you to help you find one that best suits your health and needs.
Are there other ways to treat OSA?
Many people turn to CPAP therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea in the Fort Worth area. This is still the number one way to treat this condition, as it can address all severities of sleep apnea. If you have more serious symptoms, then CPAP therapy may be a better option for managing your symptoms. Talk with your dentist and doctor about your OSA treatment options.
Patients with mild to moderate OSA, as well as those who are unable to use CPAP therapy or are unresponsive to this form of treatment may find more effective relief through an oral appliance. Along with oral appliance therapy, there are also lifestyle changes that can help lessen symptoms. Some of these lifestyle changes include:
- Losing weight (if overweight or obese)
- Avoiding alcohol
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding sedatives or tranquilizers
If you are living with sleep apnea here in Fort Worth, TX, and you’re looking for better treatment options that manage your symptoms then it’s time to call Dr. William Ralstin and Dr. Adam Furman at (817) 926-8700 to schedule a consultation.