Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea: More Common Than You Think

Sleep apnea can have a severe effect on your overall health. This chronic disorder that affects more than 25 million Americans prevents the body from getting necessary oxygen during sleep and leads to a whole host of complications – including increased risk for hypertension, stroke, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, chronic acid reflux, irregular heartbeat, erectile dysfunction and driving or work-related accidents. Severe apnea, if left untreated, can even lead to death.

The good news is that the knowledgeable staff at BGW Dental Group can help you conquer this disorder and get you back to your best.

While lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, cessation of alcohol consumption, change of sleeping position and sleeping aids, are often the first course of action, our dentists can also supply a custom-fit, oral device designed to alleviate sleep apnea. This oral appliance is not as invasive as a CPAP machine and may provide our patients with relief without them having to seek surgical solutions.

If you and your doctor determine that an oral appliance is the right solution for your sleep apnea, you will be provided with a prescription. Our dentists will then fit you with an oral appliance. An X-ray may be required to ensure the best fit, but we will also make impressions and models of your teeth before the appliance is constructed in a dental lab.

Once the appliance is ready, you will return to BGW offices in order to receive a proper fitting and ensure that the device is comfortable. At this time, you will receive full instructions for use and cleaning. We will also perform follow-up visits to maintain optimal fit.

Sleep apnea, which most commonly occurs when soft tissue in the throat collapses and blocks airways during sleep, is not easily diagnosed and often requires an overnight, professionally attended sleep study. However, if you have been experiencing excessive fatigue, morning headaches and/or memory loss or have been told of snoring or gasping/choking sounds during your sleep, then please talk to your doctor about the possibility of apnea.

And if you are suffering from sleep apnea and are interested in learning more about an easy to use oral device, please contact us today at our Braselton or Gainesville offices at 678-582-8099.

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