What Treatments Are Available for Sleep Apnea?
One of the main treatments for sleep apnea is called a continuous positive airway pressure device. CPAP masks continuously circulate air into your lungs while you sleep. Unfortunately, this device is uncomfortable for many patients. The good news is that there are several alternative options for sleep apnea treatment in Jacksonville:
• Lifestyle changes: One of the first recommendations a dental professional will make is to check your lifestyle for sleep apnea risk factors. For example, smoking increases your risk of this condition. Losing some weight, skipping alcohol before bedtime and sleeping on your side may provide relief for mild OSA.
• Oral dental devices: One of the most effective alternatives to CPAP is an oral dental device. These mandibular devices help to support your tongue, palate and jaw to keep your airway open. The best devices are customized to your mouth, providing maximum comfort and results.
• Surgery: A final option to treat advanced OSA is surgery. These procedures can remove excess tissue to provide easier breathing at night. People who have underlying problems such as a deviated septum may turn to surgery as a way to improve breathing all day long.
The best choice is one that alleviates your symptoms while making you feel as comfortable as possible. It’s often possible to find Jacksonville sleep apnea treatment options that adapt to your lifestyle. Contact Carlson Dental at (904) 586-4768 to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations: Bartram Park or Riverside. We can answer your questions and offer personalized recommendations.
Try To Discover What Your Personal Phobia Is
The first step to dealing with dental anxiety is to understand what exactly is causing your fears. There’s usually one or more specific things about the dentist’s office that people dislike. Here are a few common dental phobias:
• Pain
• High-pitched noises
• Needles and injections
• Anesthesia and numbness
• Helplessness
Some patients don’t like having to recline in a chair or have strangers standing over them. Identifying your personal fears is important because there are definite solutions a sedation dentist can provide.
Learn More About High-Tech Dental Advancements
It’s important to know that modern technology has made checkups more patient-friendly. From laser beams that eliminate the need for drills to sedation dentistry for people afraid of needles, high-tech equipment makes it possible to work around your anxieties. These days, most dental procedures are virtually painless.
Talk With the Dentist About Your Fears
The next step in reducing your anxiety is to be honest with your dentist about your fears. Professional dentists are trained to treat you with respect and care. If you mention that you’re afraid of being helpless, they can provide alternative treatment options that help you to feel in control. For example, you can agree on a signal that tells the dentist to stop immediately.
Contact a Trusted Jacksonville Sedation Dentist
Sedation dentists are certified in using medication to help patients relax. You can decide how much sedation you prefer, from a gentle feeling of calm to general anesthesia. If you have sensitive teeth, a low pain threshold, significant gag reflex or feelings of panic, then sedation dentistry may be an ideal solution. To learn more, contact Carlson Dental at (904) 586-4768 to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations: Bartram Park or Riverside.