At Schmitt Dental, we provide more than just general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. We offer solutions for patients who have other conditions that impact their health and wellness, including those who have been diagnosed with the condition of obstructive sleep apnea.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Also known as OSA, our dental team describes obstructive sleep apnea as a sleeping disorder that results in a blockage in the airway. This causes patients who have the condition to stop breathing sometimes hundreds of times in one night. The result? Patients often find they are fatigued, even after they believed they had a full night’s rest. Symptoms often include:
• Tiredness
• Poor memory and concentration
• Morning dry mouth
• Headaches and migraines
• Gasping during sleep
• Chronic snoring
When these conditions are present, patients may visit their primary care physician to get a proper diagnosis. It may include a sleep study to monitor one’s breathing over the course of one or several nights. Once patients are diagnosed, their doctor may recommend the use of a CPAP machine. However, this device can be cumbersome and result in poor compliance. Instead, patients can work with their dentist to obtain an alternative treatment called oral appliance therapy.
Understanding oral appliance therapy
Drs. Schmitt and Oh of Schmitt Dental are professionals who work with patients who have received a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and are interested in alternative solutions. Oral appliance therapy is the use of a special mouth guard that is worn by patients while they sleep to keep the airways open throughout the night. Because the mouth piece is custom made for patients, it provides proper fit and function while remaining comfortable.
Have you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea?
We encourage patients in and around the area of Clarksville, TN to learn more about the advantages of using oral appliance therapy as an alternative to treating obstructive sleep apnea with a CPAP machine. Call one of our two practices at either (931) 647-3960 for our Rudolphtown Road location, or (931) 552-7745 for our Fort Campbell Boulevard location. Drs. Schmitt and Oh are available to provide solutions for new and existing patients of the area.