Dental Services · Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Treatment at Decatur Family Dental
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where your airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep. This causes your breathing to stop and start throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, causing loud snoring, choking episodes, gasping, and poor sleep quality.
In short
Custom oral appliance therapy that keeps your airway open — a comfortable alternative to CPAP.
At Decatur Family Dental, we identify risk factors and provide complete treatment for qualified patients as part of our dental care services.
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Common Signs and Symptoms
Patients with OSA often experience daytime sleepiness, constant tiredness, and morning headaches. Without proper treatment, OSA can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke.
Your sleep partner may observe loud, constant snoring, repeated gasping for air, and breathing pauses that disrupt your sleep and cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Dental professionals also look for oral signs, including teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw joint problems.
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Oral Appliance Therapy
The primary dental treatment involves a custom-fitted mouth device that keeps your airway open throughout the night. Following sleep medicine guidelines, a trained dentist provides this therapy after a sleep specialist diagnoses OSA.
These devices work well for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are also good alternatives for people who cannot tolerate CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines. While CPAP works very effectively, some people find it hard to use every night, making oral appliances a successful substitute.
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Types of Oral Appliances
- Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) — These hold your lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep, which also pulls your tongue forward, creating more space in your throat. They are the most commonly used oral appliances for sleep apnea.
- Tongue-Stabilizing Devices (TSDs) — These fit over your tongue and use gentle suction to hold it forward during sleep, preventing your tongue from falling back and helping keep your airway open.
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Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Confirmed mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis
- CPAP intolerance or preference for alternative treatment
- Adequate dental support for device retention
- No severe jaw joint disorders
- Commitment to wearing the appliance every night