Sleep Apnea Treatment
Our Richmond dentists offer treatment for sleep apnea and snoring because we know that sleep is vital to your wellbeing.
Treating Sleep Apnea & Snoring
If you have ever suffered from sleep apnea or have a partner who does, you know that it can be a disconcerting problem. Left untreated, it can trigger health problems, which is why it is important to treat.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway collapses, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person, unconsciously closing the jaw and returning the tongue and throat to a normal position.
The sleep apnea cycle can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour during the night. With a blocked passageway, one does not receive enough oxygen. Both the awakenings and oxygen deprivation can then trigger other health problems, including chronic sleepiness, headaches, depression, exhaustion, high blood pressure, and even strokes and heart attacks.
Treatment Options
Our dentists have been treating patients with sleep apnea and snorning issues for years, using an appliance called a mandibular advancement appliance.
This appliance holds the mandible (lower jaw) forward during sleep to prevent the tongue and soft tissues of the throat from collapsing into the airway.
By adjusting the degree to which the mandible is held forward, Dr. Melashenko can maximize both the effectiveness of the appliance and the patient's comfort.
