Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea causes interruptions in your breathing during the night, preventing you from getting the healthy shut-eye you need. At Plaza Dental Group in West Des Moines, Iowa, the experienced dental team offers dental solutions that help you resolve sleep apnea in a simple, convenient, and comfortable way. Call the office today to set up a consultation or use the online tool to book your appointment.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder that causes patients to momentarily stop breathing dozens of times during the night. Sleep apnea happens when the airway becomes blocked by relaxed tissue. Your brain senses the lack of oxygen and awakens you so you start breathing again. 

What are the effects of sleep apnea?

In addition to disrupting your nightly sleep, sleep apnea can cause disruptive snoring. This may awaken your partner and disrupt their sleep. Plus, the lack of quality sleep and disruption in your oxygen flow can contribute to health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, and heart disease. 

Without adequate sleep, you’re at risk of workplace accidents, drowsy driving, and constant irritability. 

How do you treat sleep apnea?

Doctors often treat sleep apnea with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. This loud, bulky device requires you to wear a mask as you sleep so it can regulate your airflow. Many patients find it inconvenient and uncomfortable.

At Plaza Dental Group, the team offers a dental solution. They create a dental appliance that aligns the jaw as you sleep, so the airway remains open. The appliance prevents your tongue and throat tissue from constricting your airway. 

These simple appliances enable you to breathe freely throughout the night and get the right amount of oxygen without interruption.

The Plaza Dental Group team works with you to get the right fit. You’ll come in for regular follow-up appointments in the first year to refine your device and to make sure it’s addressing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. 

What are the benefits of treating sleep apnea with dental appliances?

A dental appliance effectively treats sleep apnea in mild to moderate cases. Severe cases of sleep apnea may require more in-depth medical treatment, including surgery. 

Dental appliances are comfortable to wear and silent, so you can sleep soundly. Plus, dental appliances are portable and perfect for travel. 

If you struggle with sleep apnea, reach out to Plaza Dental Group today. Call the office or use the online tool to book an appointment.