Dentists in Texas have to complete a minimum number of hours before they are able to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea or snoring with oral appliance therapy. Dr. Antee and Dr. Tanner have exceeded this requirement and are passionate about helping people with this life saving treatment.
What is Sleep Apnea?
When someone has sleep apnea, breathing stops frequently throughout the night. Breathing is essential to life; we need to breathe to release carbon dioxide and take in oxygen. The interruptions in breathing associated with sleep apnea can have a dramatic impact on your daily life and can even shorten your lifespan. We have the technology and training necessary to evaluate your case and determine which treatment can provide the solution you need.
Obstructive sleep apnea, OSA, is the most common form of sleep apnea. This occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Anyone can develop OSA, although it most commonly affects middle-aged and older adults.
What are the benefits of treating sleep apnea?
Beyond the already well-known benefits of sleep apnea treatment, like providing improved sleep and energy levels, treatment can ultimately improve your overall health by:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing diabetic complications
- Improving glucose control
- Reducing the potential risk for heart attack, stroke and heart disease
- Improving daytime energy and stamina
- Relieving excess stress on the heart and vascular system
Oral Appliances
CPAP machines are the gold standard for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea. We recognize however that cumbersome CPAP machines are less than ideal for many patients. Likewise, invasive surgeries can often lead to additional complications arising. At Dental Center of Lufkin, we recognize the power of Oral Appliance Therapy as an alternate treatment for patients suffering from sleep apnea. These appliances or airway re-positioning orthotics are life changing.
An oral appliance is a custom device created by your dentist for you to wear while sleeping. The device stabilizes your airway to allow for easier breathing. A custom-fit oral appliance offers the least invasive treatment solution for your sleep apnea.
Contact our office today to learn more about how our doctors can recommend the oral appliance that’s right for you.
