Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Are you or a loved one suffering from sleep apnea? This disorder is often misconstrued as snoring, when in fact, it is far more serious. Individuals with this disorder repeatedly stop breathing during their sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds or up to a few minutes, inhibiting the body from receiving enough oxygen. Apnea-related disruptions can occur hundreds of times over the course of a single sleep.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is normally induced by a blocked airway caused by oversized tonsils, a receding jaw, the tongue, soft tissues in the mouth, or the throat closing down and blocking airflow. The first sign of sleep apnea is usually loud snoring and literal gasps for air.
Treatment Options
We offer a selection of treatment options for patients suffering from sleep apnea. We specialize in fitting patients with custom-fabricated oral appliances to help patients manage their sleep apnea. To ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment options, we will coordinate with your primary physician. This includes conducting an at-home sleep study.
Custom Oral Appliances
A custom oral appliance works by holding the lower jaw in a precise, open, and forward position. This prevents the soft tissues in the throat and neck from collapsing and causing lapses in breathing. No two appliances are the same — your appliance is custom-made for you and will fit specifically to your mouth. To ensure your jaw is held in the correct position, we use state-of-the-art imaging technology. For many patients, a custom oral appliance provides a comfortable, easy-to-use alternative to CPAP.
Many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea prefer this technology to the CPAP because it is a less restrictive and lightweight alternative that is optimal for use at home or while traveling. It is also noiseless and barely noticeable for either bed partner. Medical insurance and Medicare will typically cover the cost of a sleep appliance. In addition to helping patients with sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is a good option for people with primary snoring.
CPAP
CPAP is the traditional treatment for sleep apnea. It stands for Continuous Positive Air Pressure. This system consists of a machine which pumps air continuously into a nasal mask that is strapped to the patient’s head during sleep. For some patients, this machine can be uncomfortable, but it is a highly effective method for improving sleep and treating sleep apnea. For patients suffering from severe sleep apnea, this is the best option.
Are You At Risk?
- Do you often feel sleepy, tired, or fatigued during the day?
- Has your spouse or partner ever noticed you stop or pausing breathing in your sleep?
- Do you snore loud enough to be heard through closed doors or louder than a person talking?
- Do you have memory problems?
- Are you overweight or obese?
- Do you often feel moody or irritable?
- Are you over 50 years old?
- Do you suffer from headaches in the morning?
- Is your neck circumference greater than 16 inches?
- Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?
- Do you experience acid reflux symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, or chest pain?
- Are you male?
Technology
Eccovision Acoustic Diagnostic Imaging System
These systems are FDA cleared and are a highly effective tool to identify the severity and site and airway collapse related to sleep-related breathing and snoring problems.
Ares Apnea Risk Evaluation System
About Pierpan Dentistry
Our practice is family-owned and operated and has served patients in southeastern North Carolina since 1995. Our offic is located in Hampstead, NC. From our beginning, our doctors and team have been committed to helping patients improve their overall health and wellness. We care about not only your oral health, but your whole health.
Don’t let sleep apnea hold you back! We are here to help restore your quality of sleep and improve your health. To schedule a consultation or learn more about our services, please contact us at 910-270-1222 to reach our Hampstead location.
Hampstead Office
Hours
8:00 AM–5:00 PM