Bedford Sleep Apnea Treatments

Sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing for ten or more seconds at a time throughout the course of sleep. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea may experience these cessations 100s of times every night. When breathing ceases, the brain signals the body to reawaken leading to elevated blood pressure and loss of sleep. There are three main types of apnea central, obstructive, and combined. Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to signal the body to breathe during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as the name suggests occurs when the airway is obstructed during sleep. Combined sleep apnea is a combination of the two types. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment is often recommended for sleep apnea sufferers. CPAP systems include masks worn over the nose and/or mouth that release a steady stream of air into the nasal and throat passages during sleep to keep the airway clear. While CPAP is an effective solution, many patients find themselves unable to adjust to the sounds and sensations associated with CPAP. At Bedford Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we offer a more comfortable solution, oral appliance therapy. A custom crafted oral appliance worn during sleep adjusts the jaw shifting it forward to keep the airway clear. Contact our team to find out more about oral appliance therapy or to schedule a sleep apnea consultation.