We Can Treat Sleep Apnea to Improve Your Long-Term Physical and Emotional Health

Like many patients, you could experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without being aware of it. If you often wake up feeling fatigued, or if you suffer from frequent headaches, you may have this condition. We offer sleep apnea treatment to help you get the good night’s rest you need to feel your best. Dr. John G. Fatse, Dr. John S. Scovic, and our team focus on conservative, non-surgical treatment and provide custom-made oral appliances at our Monroe, CT, practice. Your device will open your airways and improve your breathing while you sleep. Your dentist can adjust your appliance, if needed, and you should notice a dramatic difference after just a few nights. Not only will our treatment improve your current quality of life. It can have far-reaching effects for your lifelong health, as well. 

Because our treatment will take effect quickly, it can swiftly reduce your health risks, and it could even lengthen your life.

The Causes and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results when your airways become partially obstructed or completely blocked while you sleep. Typically, this occurs when your soft palate or throat relax, and the tissues block your throat. Occasionally, your tongue could fall back into your throat with the same effect. With impeded airways, you will wake up frequently to resume breathing. Although you may not be cognizant of these interruptions, you could be well aware of a number of symptoms. These side effects can include:

• Loud snoring 
• Chronic fatigue
• Falling asleep during the day
• Frequent headaches
• Mood swings, irritability, and depression
• Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

While OSA can affect anyone, older men, overweight individuals, and those with narrow necks are more at risk for the condition. OSA is different from central sleep apnea, which occurs because your brain does not send the right signals to trigger breathing. If you are suffering from this condition, you will need to visit a specialist.

Treating Sleep Apnea

If you believe that you may have sleep apnea, Dr. Fatse or Dr. Scovic may refer you to a sleep clinic for a diagnosis. In other cases, your dentist can diagnose the condition simply based on your symptoms. Once he has a final determination, he will provide appropriate treatment, typically consisting of oral appliance therapy. You will receive a custom-made mouth guard, created from impressions of your teeth. This device will fit over your dental arches and will gently shift your lower jaw forward. In turn, your new jaw position will raise and tighten your soft palate, lifting it clear of your throat. With our carefully fabricated devices, you should find your appliance very comfortable and easy to wear.