Sleep Apnea

Snoring is typically considered a sleep disorder that affects the snorer’s family members more than the individual him/herself. However, snoring is merely one of the many side-effects of sleep apnea, a serious condition that causes interrupted breathing throughout the night, thereby affecting the body’s intake of oxygen, the heart rate and other vital functions.

Although your first instinct may be to see your primary care physician regarding sleep apnea, it is your dentist who can provide proper treatment. If you seek a solution for sleep apnea in Brockton, MA, the dentists from Massasoit Dental Associates are here for you.

Common Forms and Factors of Sleep Apnea

The most common form of sleep apnea, affecting nearly one of every eight individuals, is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It occurs when the soft tissues in the mouth repeatedly “collapse” during sleep and block the airway for up to 10 seconds at a time. In addition to snoring, symptoms include chronic daytime drowsiness, headaches, inattentiveness and more. Left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

Factors that may elevate the risk of developing sleep apnea include:
• Being male
• Being above the age of 40
• Excessive weight
• Enlarged tonsils or tongue – a common factor in child sufferers
• Nasal congestion – allergies or a deviated septum
• Large neck circumference
• Family history of sleep apnea

How We Can Help with Your Sleep Apnea

At our dental office, we are dedicated to providing non-invasive solutions for sleep apnea through the practice of sleep dentistry. Our most successful treatment, proven effective for the majority of patients, is custom oral appliances. An oral appliance is a custom-designed plastic tray fitted precisely over your top and bottom teeth. The purpose of this device is to retain your jaw in its proper position during sleep, thereby promoting a proper airflow and enhance your sleep quality.

Obtaining an oral appliance for sleep apnea requires an average of two appointments, enabling us to take precise impressions of your teeth, create your custom appliance and ensure a proper fit once completed. This simple yet highly effective solution is virtually guaranteed to eliminate snoring and decrease your risk of serious cardiovascular problems.

If you would like to learn more or begin treatment for your sleep apnea in Brockton, MA, please give us a call at (508) 583-0103 or email us at Massasoit Dental Associates today. Dr. Manzi and his staff look forward to helping you overcome your sleep apnea and finally get a good night’s sleep.