Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
You may have heard people talk about a sleep clinic or going to a sleep study. In most cases, they receive recommendations from their primary care physician and need more information about their sleep patterns to receive the best treatment. However, it may come as a surprise to learn that our Okemos dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, specializes in sleep apnea treatment that’s effective in combating the condition and improving your sleep. Therefore, we share on the blog today how Dr. Tenaglia treats sleep apnea and what you can expect during your consultation.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a health condition that causes breathing cessation multiple times during a sleep cycle. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common condition sleep-breathing disorder. During apneic events, or the interruptions to breathing, soft tissues surrounding the throat collapse and block the airway, preventing the proper oxygen from entering your body. Our Okemos sleep apnea dentist explains that sleep apnea interferes with the body’s ability to rest and rejuvenate. In most cases, untreated sleep apnea sufferers often wake up feeling tired and struggle to focus throughout the day.
Dentist’s Role in Sleep Apnea Treatment
Even though it may seem logical to think that your primary care physician can diagnose and treat sleep complications, an Okemos neuromuscular dentist possesses specified knowledge and training in the human head, jaw, and neck areas and can effectively treat the condition. Dr. Tenaglia offers an at-home sleep apnea study to screen for an airway disorder. The most effective and convenient treatment for sleep apnea is an oral appliance. The custom device is similar to a mouthguard but moves the lower jaw forward to prevent soft tissue from blocking the airway. When the airway is open, your body can receive proper oxygen flow, experience reduced snoring, and you’ll wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
Oral Appliance Treatment Benefits
Patients that meet the qualifications for oral appliance therapy often receive excellent results. Additionally, an oral appliance is relatively inexpensive and has few side effects during treatment. Compared to the traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances are more affordable, portable, and adjustable in some models. Additionally, your partner will appreciate that your oral appliance is quiet, unlike a CPAP machine that’s commonly used to manage sleep apnea. Our Okemos airway dentist also explains that an oral appliance doesn’t carry a risk of needing sleep apnea-related surgery. When you follow Dr. Tenaglia’s instructions during treatment, an oral appliance can prevent apneas and help you get a more restful night’s sleep.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Untreated sleep apnea can wreak havoc on your overall health and may cause depression, mood disorders, heart disease, mania, or bipolar disorder. Therefore, our dentist in Okemos, that treats sleep apnea encourages anyone who snores or thinks they may have sleep apnea to schedule a consultation as soon as possible by calling Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.