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Getting a good night's sleep has the ability to restore your body and enliven your mind. For those that experience symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea, a good night's sleep is far from reach, which affects the body not only temporarily, but the rest of the day. Sleep apnea is very common, affecting more than fifteen million Americans. Your dentist may be one of the first to become aware of a potential problem. Many dentists have undergone special training for the treatment of sleep apnea and have the ability to successfully help you get a good night's sleep. There are several treatment options and oral devices to use while sleeping. What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a very serious and potentially life threatening disorder. Its name comes from the Greek word "apnea" which means "without breath." This refers to the fact that with sleep apnea, a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. Each time you stop breathing, your brain briefly wakes up in order to resume breathing. As a result your sleep is fragmented, leaving you tired in the morning. If you have sleep apnea, you usually will not remember waking up during the night. A person with severe sleep apnea may experience more than 100 waking episodes. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain and headaches. Symptoms of sleep apnea include: • Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Irritability and impaired mental or emotional functioning
• Excessive snoring, choking or gasping during sleep
• Insomnia
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat How can your dentist help and What Treatment May Be Available? Sleep apnea and snoring appliances are custom designed to wear during sleep instead of using the CPAP machine. With these oral appliances, one can custom make them in order to best fit your mouth individually and help your sleep apnea. Oral appliances are intended to treat apnea by keeping the airway open by pushing the lower jaw forward, by preventing the tongue from falling back over the airway or by combining both mechanisms. The goal of sleep apnea appliances is to find the most comfortable and effective position for you. With mild obstructive sleep apnea, the initial treatment may include avoiding sleeping on your back, losing weight or stopping smoking. Dental appliances can be created and implemented to help with your sleep apnea, as well. These are used to reposition your lower jaw and tongue, proving to be helpful to some patients with sleep apnea or who snore. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. There are several treatment options available at your cosmetic dentist in West Orange's office. If you are experiencing symptoms related to snoring or sleep apnea, or suspect you might suffer from this, a consultation with your dentist is recommended. Your dentist will be able to identify a problem and recommend further consultation and treatment options. Don't lose anymore sleep. Protect your health and visit your dentist immediately.
Dr. Ivan Stein, a New Jersey top dentist, offers an array of dental services, including implants, bonding and cosmetic fillings in Livingston. From TMJ treatment and sports dentistry to veneers and custom-made snoring appliances in Livingston and West Orange, this Top New Jersey Dentist delivers professional, smile-enhancing dental care.
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