Sleep Apnea Treatment: Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) in Columbus
If you wake up tired no matter how long you've slept and your nights include interrupted breathing or loud snoring, then you may have sleep apnea in Columbus. Although it may seem counterintuitive, your dentist may have the solution for you. Call our Columbus office for more information or to make an appointment with one of our skilled dentists.
What's Sleep Apnea?
It's a sleep disorder characterized by intermittent interruptions in your sleep. It can occur to anyone at any age, but those over 40 are more likely to develop it.
What Are The Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
How do I know if I have this sleep disorder? Occasionally, there may be other symptoms, but these are the most common:
- Choking or gasping while you're asleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Frequent loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Breathing pauses during sleep
If you experience some or all of the above, then contact your Columbus dentist for an appointment so that you can resume getting a good night's sleep.
What Are Sleep Apnea Causes?
Your muscles are stiffer when you're awake than they are when you're asleep. This means the airways in your throat are more expansive when you're awake than they are when you relax and go to sleep. Narrower airways can restrict your airflow and breathing so that you get less oxygen, which causes your body to wake up and disrupts your sleep.
Factors that can increase your risk of developing this sleep disorder include:
- Family history
- Overweight
- Male gender at birth
- Neck size more than 16 inches
If you have one or more of these, it doesn't mean that you'll develop sleep apnea, and except for being overweight, there's not much that can be done about them.
Your dentist, however, can recommend a sleep apnea treatment or a sleep apnea mouthpiece that can alleviate the symptoms. This should restore your ability to sleep through the night.
What Treatments Will My Dentist Use?
If you have a mild case, minor lifestyle changes may be the solution. Sometimes, losing weight or sleeping on your side may be sufficient. If those don't work well, your dentist may recommend an oral appliance for sleep apnea. Oral appliances are very common solutions that reposition your tongue and jaw. Occasionally, surgery may be required.
If you have sleep apnea in Columbus, then call our office to schedule an appointment. Your dentist may recommend a custom-made sleep apnea mouth guard to start, but we'll evaluate your symptoms and determine the best course of action.
About Oral Appliance Therapy
What's An Oral Appliance For Sleep Apnea In Columbus?
Oral appliances for this disorder are among the first remedies your dentist will try. The mouthpiece is similar to a mouthguard or a retainer, and you wear it only while you sleep. It gently maintains your jaw in a forward position so that your airway isn't constricted. This enables better breathing due to a wider airway and a greater airflow.
For the best fit and function, it's essential to get a custom-made mouthpiece from your dentist. Our dentists don't recommended an over-the-counter model from your local pharmacy.
What's The Oral Appliance Cost?
As with all dental procedures, your oral appliance cost will be unique to you. It will depend on the type of appliance you need and any insurance coverage you have. If you have more questions about the cost, call our Columbus office, and we'll answer them.
What Are the Benefits Of Using An Oral Appliance?
Oral appliance therapy, or OAT, can restore your ability to get a good night's sleep, which means your health may improve because sleep is vital for the body to regenerate properly.
OAT is portable, so you can take it when traveling. It's small, so it's easy to pack
One of the most important advantages of OAT therapy is that it's non-invasive, unlike surgery. If you have more questions about OAT therapy, call our Columbus office, and we'll be happy to answer them.
Will My Insurance Cover OAT Therapy?
Usually, an insurance policy will cover oral appliance therapy, but we recommend you contact your provider before your appointment. Ask about your policy benefits, coverages, limitations, exclusions, and copays. Bring that information to your appointment, and we'll work with you to maximize the benefits of your policy.
Need An Appointment?
If you need an appointment, call our Columbus office, and we'll schedule a date and time that's convenient for you. We have the reputation of being one of the best in the area, and we're sure you'll be happy with your treatment. Call us today!
