Sleep Apnea Treatment in Atlanta

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is the result of muscles in the airway and throat that relax, causing you to stop breathing for at least 10 seconds at a time. As a result, your brain is deprived of oxygen, which can cause you to continually awaken throughout the night, even if you do not remember it. Sleep apnea sufferers often feel constantly tired and struggle to feel well-rested.

There are many potential underlying causes of sleep apnea, including:

Excess weight
Having a narrow throat
Hypothyroidism
Deviated septum
Smoking
Alcohol and drug use
Enlarged tonsils
Large tongue

Dental Devices We Offer

CPAP Machine

A CPAP machine is a method of delivering steady air pressure through the use of a hose and mask or nosepiece. The CPAP machine pushes against blockages in your airways so your lungs receive a steady supply of oxygen. This prevents you from pausing breathing and waking up in the middle of the night.

ABAP Machine

This machine differs from a CPAP in that it adjusts the air pressure through the night to compensate for any changes in your sleeping position or if medications have altered your breathing. This machine constantly checks your breathing.

BiPAP Machine

BiPAP machines are equipped with two pressure settings for inhalation and exhalation.

Tongue Retaining Device

A splint holds the tongue in place so it doesn’t block your airways

Mandibular Advancement Device

Some people have issues with CPAP machines because they feel claustrophobic or like the air pressure is too intense. The next line of defense would be MADs which look like mouth guards or retainers.

How Can My Dentist Help With Sleep Apnea?

Your dentist in Atlanta can notice the early warning signs of sleep apnea by performing oral exams and taking x-rays of your mouth. They can give you a referral to an ENT or sleep physician where this can be further investigated or a sleep study may be conducted.

Your dentist can address your sleep apnea with dental devices such as CPAP machines, oral appliances, tongue retaining devices, and a mandibular advancement device (MAD).
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Am I a Candidate for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Devices?

Before determining if you are a suitable candidate for a sleep apnea oral device, you need to find out if you have sleep apnea and what the severity is. Oral devices will only work for mild to moderate sleep apnea severity.
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If you have severe sleep apnea, then a CPAP machine is still the highest standard of treatment. However, sleep apnea sufferers with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) lower than 15 are not eligible for CPAP machines unless they have other symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension.
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At Goldstein Garber & Salama, we can examine your mouth for early warning signs of sleep apnea and treat you with oral devices. Schedule an appointment with us today.