What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea, characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, can lead to significant health issues. This condition occurs when muscles relax, causing the airway to close due to gravity. The resulting short-term suffocation places a strain on the body, potentially leading to heart conditions, memory loss, mood changes, weight gain, fatigue, and hypertension. While solutions like airway surgeries (tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or maxillofacial surgery) and CPAP devices are common, they might not suit everyone. For those seeking alternative treatments, Melton Dental in Helena, MT offers a comfortable and effective solution. Dr. Sean Melton specializes in crafting custom-fit nighttime guards designed to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. These guards are a simple, comfortable, and effective way to improve your health and wellness, providing much-needed relief for those struggling with sleep apnea.
What Can I Expect from Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Sleep apnea treatment with Dr. Melton at Melton Dental utilizes what is referred to as oral appliance therapy (OAT), which can be quite an effective treatment for sleep apnea. It's a custom-made device that fits in your mouth at night. It is often compared to a mouth guard for athletic events or even a retainer. The major difference is that instead of protecting your teeth from trauma, it gently pulls the jaw into a forward position to keep your airway open. There are more than a hundred unique versions on the market so Dr. Melton will work together with you to be certain to get the right one for you. This will be determined after he conducts an assessment of your jaw, tongue, airway, and teeth. You will also have oral x-rays performed so that Dr. Melton may create impressions of your teeth for your oral appliance.
What Are the Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
At Melton Dental in Helena, MT, a variety of sleep apnea treatments are offered, each designed to bring relief and enhance the overall wellness of individuals suffering from this sleep disorder. Some benefits of sleep apnea treatment include:
- Boosted wellness
- Boosted oxygen numbers in the body, leading to better organ function
- Reduced risk of stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure
- Reduced snoring, resulting in better sleep quality
- Minimized likelihood of car accidents and better safety while driving
- Improved moods
- Enhanced concentration and alertness
- Boosted vigor and less daytime fatigue
Melton Dental Reviews
Excellent experience. Dr. Melton is so great and knowledgable. I will be working with him on an appliance for sleep apnea. I highly recommend him over the alternative, - an insensitive, non-communicating sleep doctor associated with St. Petes. Melton should be your first stop. You won't be disappointed!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and oral appliance therapy?
CPAP therapy requires that you wear a mask over your mouth and nose while you sleep. The mask is connected to a tube that allows air pressure to keep your airways open during the night. Oral appliance therapy, on the other hand, is a custom-made mouth guard that supports the jaw, keeping it in a forward position to keep the airway open.
How do I properly clean my sleep apnea mouthpiece?
You should deep clean your sleep apnea mouthpiece with dish soap and warm water once weekly. Ideally, you should use a soft-bristled brush every morning. Keeping the appliance clean helps to extend its use.
How long does a dental mouth guard for sleep apnea last?
Your mouth guard will typically last for a few years. However, you can get a replacement as early as six months when needed. After about two years, the mouth guard can wear down and require a replacement. We recommend bringing your mouthpiece in during your annual exams so it can be properly evaluated.
Explore Effective Treatments at Melton Dental
If your breathing was interrupted numerous times every day from your own airway being blocked, you would ask for medical advice straight away. But when the same thing occurs during your sleep, it can be all too simple to put off because you won't remember it when you wake up. If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, then we encourage you to arrange for an appointment at Melton Dental at your earliest convenience.