Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Loud, chronic snoring can be an indication of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This common condition can have serious consequences for your long-term health, as well as your current wellbeing. Fortunately, Dr. Toan Tran at Mangrove Bay Dentistry in Tampa, FL may be able to treat your OSA with a custom-made oral appliance that is less cumbersome than regular CPAP machines.

CPAP Machines Versus Oral Appliances

In the past CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines were the standard of care for sleep apnea. A mask would fit over your mouth and nose, providing a steady stream of air that would keep your airways open. Although many sleep experts continue to use these devices, more health care professionals have become aware of the problems associated with CPAP machines. First, the devices are bulky and inconvenient. Many patients also find them to be so uncomfortable that they are unable to sleep while wearing the mask. Other problems include air pumped into a patient’s stomach, mask dislodgement making the treatment ineffective, and the noise produced by the machine.

Because of these problems, more practitioners are using oral appliance therapy (OAT) to treat the condition. If you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Tran can provide a simple, custom-made splint that fits over your teeth to realign your jaw. As the splint repositions your mouth, it will also keep your tongue and the soft tissues of your throat from closing your airway. Because the device is custom-crafted, patients find it easy to adjust to and use. Best of all, oral appliances are quite effective. According to the journal Sleep, published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, both CPAP machines and oral appliances can bring about significant improvement for patients with mild to moderate OSA.

Only a dentist can fabricate, fit, adjust, monitor, and treat complications associated with Oral Appliance Therapy used in managing sleep related breathing disorder (SRBD). So if you or a loved one is experiencing any combination of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, a consultation with Dr. Tran is a good idea

Why Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea causes chronic disruptions to your breathing during the night. Your soft palate, throat, and/or tongue will start to droop while you are asleep. This will prevent the proper flow of air. In many cases, it will also cause severe snoring. Each time you stop breathing, you will wake up. Sometimes, you may suddenly jolt awake with a sharp gasp. More often, however, you will unconsciously move to a lighter stage of sleep. In either case, you will never get a complete night’s rest.

Snoring only one problem associated with OSA. OSA is associated with:

  • Chronic fatigue or daytime sleepiness
  • Insomnia
  • Frequent headaches
  • Waking up with a sore or dry throat
  • Depression, anxiety, or irritability
  • Forgetfulness
  • Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke
  • Increased risk of diabetes
  • Increased risk of obesity

Learn More About Comfortable Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA

Dr. Toan Tran of Mangrove Bay Dentistry is an expert in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Adjustable oral appliances that open the airway are a very effective alternative to CPAP machines for most patients. These splints are custom fit and can be adjusted for optimal results. Dr. Tran would like to improve your life through accurate diagnosis, comfortable appliance therapy, and monitoring of the effects of this therapy. He can collaborate with your physicians to maximize your overall systemic health through the regular flow of oxygen into your lungs all through the night.

Schedule your obstructive sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Tran today.

Call 813-891-9898.