Sleep Apnea
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Halls Family Dentistry
General Dentist located in Knoxville, TN
Loud, disruptive snoring may indicate sleep apnea, but the more dangerous symptoms of this disorder are silent. That’s why medical professionals refer patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea to Halls Family Dentistry in Knoxville, Tennessee. We can help treat your sleep apnea with a professionally made oral appliance with a prescription from your doctor. If you suffer from sleep apnea and are considering oral appliance therapy, call or click online to book an appointment at Halls Family Dentistry today.
Sleep Apnea Q & A
What is oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea?
If you have obstructive sleep apnea or snore loudly when you sleep, your primary physician may refer you to Halls Family Dentistry to make an oral appliance for treatment. If they decide oral appliance therapy is the best option, your doctor will work closely with us to provide a custom-made oral appliance.
Research shows that oral appliance therapy is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and may be more comfortable than a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask.
How does an oral appliance help sleep apnea?
Halls Family Dentistry uses the best digital imaging and works closely with our lab to create a device that helps prevent your throat muscles from collapsing and blocking your airway during sleep. The appliance looks like a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer and fits over your upper and lower teeth.
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your airway becomes blocked during sleep. Oral appliances treat sleep apnea by pushing your tongue and lower jaw slightly forward, keeping your airway clear of obstructions.
Your physician may recommend oral appliance therapy if you have any of these conditions:
- Loud snoring without sleep apnea
- Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Sleep apnea that doesn’t respond to other treatments
What are the benefits of oral appliance therapy?
If you suffer from sleep apnea, a dental appliance may offer effective treatment that fits easily into your lifestyle. Oral appliances have several advantages, including:
- More comfortable to wear and sleep in than CPAP masks
- Easy to travel with
- Quietly improve sleep
- Simple to care for
How does a dentist make an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
First, our doctors perform a comprehensive dental exam, which may include X-rays and an evaluation of your teeth, tongue, and airway. Then, she makes digital or physical impressions of your teeth, which are sent to a lab to make the appliance.
Once the appliance is made, you return to the office so we can make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit. During this visit, we will teach you how to use and care for your new oral appliance.
If you’re looking for a dentist that’s qualified to provide oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, call Halls Family Dentistry.
