Sleep Apnea Treatment: Reclaim Your Sleep, Rest, and Health
Quality sleep is not a luxury—it’s the foundation of your overall health, just like good nutrition and exercise. Good quality sleep allows your body to rest, repair, and restore itself. Unfortunately, many individuals rarely get restorative sleep because of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At Howell Family Smiles, we value your sleep health as much as you do. Dr. Swati Gupta and the team offer sleep apnea treatment in Howell, New Jersey, to help you restore your sleep quality and health. Schedule a consultation with our office today and take the first step toward a better quality of life.
What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
OSA is a common sleep disorder that affects over 30 million Americans, but only about 20% are clinically diagnosed. This sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) condition occurs when soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse and block your airway. This causes you to wake up briefly to restore breathing. These awakenings occur several times during the night, often without your awareness.
Common symptoms of OSA include:
- Loud and chronic snoring
- Waking up at night while choking or gasping for air
- Insomnia
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue despite a full night’s sleep
- Mood changes and irritability
- Morning headaches
- Brain fog and reduced focus
In the long term, the effects become more severe. Chronic sleep deprivation and breathing disruptions put a constant strain on your heart, blood vessels, and brain, heightening the risk of hypertension, heart disease, depression, and stroke. Untreated sleep apnea has also been linked to diabetes and dementia.
How do you treat sleep apnea?
If you have been diagnosed with OSA, chances are that your primary care physician has prescribed a CPAP machine. This treatment involves using a mask attached to a bedside machine. A CPAP device delivers a constant flow of pressurized air to keep your upper airway open during sleep. Like any treatment, CPAP works only if you use it consistently. However, many patients find CPAPs noisy, restrictive, and disruptive.
At our dental office, Dr. Gupta offers a simple yet effective option. She offers a customized oral appliance to treat mild to moderate OSA for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. This treatment involves wearing a customized, retainer-like appliance during sleep. A sleep apnea oral appliance fits precisely over your teeth and repositions your lower jaw to create space in your mouth. This device keeps your airway open at night without the need for forced air.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for sleep apnea. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as weight management, to manage sleep apnea. Referrals may also be necessary for severe sleep apnea that requires advanced therapies.
Is oral appliance therapy worth it?
Yes! The benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
- Customized for optimal comfort
- Discreet treatment
- Easy to use and maintain
- Compact and easy to travel with (portability)
- Noiseless treatment
- Consistent use encourages long-term success
Many patients tell us that oral appliances work because they fit seamlessly into their lifestyles. Whether you are a student, a busy professional, or a stay-at-home parent, oral appliance therapy works for everyone.
Where can I find a dentist who treats sleep apnea near me in Howell, New Jersey?
You don’t have to live with restless nights and tired mornings. Howell Family Smiles provides personalized sleep apnea solutions designed to make you feel your best. Dial (732) 333-6586 and schedule your consultation today with Dr. Gupta and the team. We are centrally located in Howell, NJ, but we serve patients from Freehold, Jackson, Farmingdale, Lakewood, and nearby locations.
