Do you or your partner snore loudly? Are you tired during the day but don’t know why? You may be one of more than 12 million Americans affected by sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops and starts periodically during sleep. As breathing stops, the lack of oxygen temporarily wakes you up to restart your breathing. This sleep apnea cycle can occur 20 to 30 times an hour. Many people may not realize they have sleep apnea because they do not remember waking up. At Monokian Dentistry, we offer sleep apnea services in Haddonfield and Marlton, NJ, to help patients get a good night of sleep. Sleep apnea treatment can restore function and prevent future health problems.
Sleep Apnea Signs and Risk Factors
Please contact us if you have one or more of these symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Morning headaches
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Drowsiness throughout the day
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
There are also factors that can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males and older adults (40+). Obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history can also contribute to sleep apnea. If you notice changes in your sleeping patterns or notice your partner developing symptoms of sleep apnea, please call us for a consultation.
How to Treat Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure and higher instances of heart failure or stroke. A lack of sleep can also contribute to trouble in school, work, or even when driving. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery; sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation.
Because every patient is different, we will recommend treatment based on the severity of their symptoms and their type of sleep apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral — for instance; patients may be instructed to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs.
Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. We can create a non-invasive mandibular advancement device (MAD) that keeps the lower jaw forward. SomnoDent offers 6 types of mandibular advancement devices that cover the upper and lower teeth with custom-made acrylic. The SomnoDent devices can include adjustable elastic straps, screws, or metal arms that connect the two parts of the acrylic guard and adjust the jaw.
SomnoDent devices move the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway and helping patients breathe easier. These devices also prevent the tongue from covering the windpipe. We take digital scans to custom-make sleep appliances for our patients. Our offices work with local dental labs to create SomnoDent devices that patients can wear during sleep to stop symptoms of sleep apnea. We chose SomnoDent devices over other types of devices because they are lightweight, portable, and effective for many patients. These devices also allow patients to drink, speak, and open their mouths normally. SomnoDent devices are easily adjustable.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Stop snoring, insomnia, and other symptoms of sleep apnea with treatment at Monokian Dentistry. Contact our Marlton office today at 856.983.9620 or our Haddonfield office at 856.429.0404.