If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be living with issues such as frequent headaches, chronic fatigue, and difficulties focusing or concentrating among other things. The standard of care for treating sleep apnea involves continuous positive air pressure therapy, or CPAP, but what if you’re not comfortable with your CPAP device? Your dentist in Liberty has solutions for you.
Successfully Managing Sleep Apnea
It is important to manage your sleep apnea not only to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep, but also to decrease your risk for certain conditions that sleep apnea contributes to such as:
- Depression or anxiety
- Weight gain
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease or heart failure
Many patients are not comfortable with their CPAP device because they find it uncomfortable or claustrophobic to wear. Some also feel the machine is loud and makes it hard to sleep comfortably. If this is the case for you, your dentist in Liberty MO may be able to help with an alternative solution.
Oral Appliance Therapy
The most common type of sleep apnea occurs due to the obstruction of your airway. Your dentist can customize an oral appliance designed to reposition your jaw, which opens your airway for clear breathing while you sleep.
The oral appliance fits much like a retainer does, and most patients find it easier to get used to and more comfortable to wear than their CPAP device. It’s also more convenient for patients who travel.
Why Work With A Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dentists have extensive training in the anatomy of the face, head, and mouth. Their understanding of how these systems work together makes them the ideal doctor to craft an oral appliance that is effective in opening your airways.
Many dentists, like Dr. Michael C. Byars are completing studies and training specific to sleep apnea, which also allows them to work closely with general physicians to ensure that patients are receiving the most effective sleep apnea treatment, which may sometimes be combination of CPAP and oral appliance therapy.
If you or a loved one is struggling with CPAP therapy, give Dr. Byars a call today to learn more about alternatives for sleep apnea treatment in Liberty.
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars provides comprehensive dental care to patients and families in Liberty, MO. He enjoys getting to know his patients and building long-term relationships with them in order to provide them with dentistry that is tailored to their unique needs.
If you would like to contact Dr. Byars, he can be reached by calling 816-781-8222 or online through his website.