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Sleep Apnea Treatment in Jacksonville – Alternative Treatments To Consider

January 20, 2020

Filed under: Sleep Apnea — Tags: , , , , , — carlsondental @ 12:00 pm
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe while you sleep. Sometimes your airway can become blocked, even preventing breathing completely. When this happens, your brain attempts to wake you momentarily to help you resume breathing. Some people with OSA can go through this cycle hundreds of times every night, which leaves them exhausted the next day. If your partner notices that you snore a lot and seem to choke or gasp for breath, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment for sleep apnea treatment in Jacksonville.

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.

How Do Dentists Treat Sleep Apnea – Sleep Apnea Treatment in Jacksonville

August 14, 2019

Filed under: Sleep Apnea — Tags: , , , — carlsondental @ 12:00 pm
Most people spend about 33% of their lives sleeping. If you have sleep apnea, you probably don’t get a good night’s sleep. Do you find yourself feeling more tired than normal? Are you more irritable, or do you sometimes wake up in the middle of the night because you feel like you can’t breathe? All of these are symptoms of sleep apnea, a serious disorder that could cause even more problems if left untreated. What you might not realize is that you can go to a dentist for Jacksonville sleep apnea treatment.
What Is Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dentists who treat sleep apnea practice something known as dental sleep medicine. In our office we start with Laser light energy to tighten, shrink up and stimulate the production of collagen in your soft palate (This is the area of your palate that hangs down from the roof of your mouth that includes your uvula ). This opens up your airway and you can breath better and have less blockage of your airway when your are sleeping , which correlates to relieving snoring and sleep apnea.
The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea treatment in Jacksonville is essential for a variety of reasons. At best, untreated apnea causes excessive sleepiness in the daytime, not to mention headaches and loss of memory. As the problem becomes more serious, it can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic acid reflux, stroke, diabetes, or other serious health issues.
Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea requires diagnosis by a sleep doctor. This typically involves an overnight sleep study at home or in a center. Once diagnosed, treatment can begin via the sleep doctor and a dentist who has experience with the disorder. Before having to use a CPAP machine please talk to us about our laser light therapy on your soft palate, it doesn’t hurt and there is NO DOWN TIME!
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and would like to learn more about alternative sleep apnea treatment options, contact Carlson Advanced Dentistry & Facial Esthetics at 904-586-4768. We look forward to providing your sleep apnea treatment in Jacksonville.