Sleep Apnea Can Be Managed Effectively With These Strategies

If you are snoring loudly when sleeping it is an indicator that you could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. This is a problem that affects 25 percent of men and 10% of women who are largely underdiagnosed. The breathing problem which affects them during the night can disrupt sleep leaving people tired and irritable during the day. It is also a cause for boosting blood pressure and may increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Who to Contact For Diagnosing The Problem of Sleep Apnea

If you are suspected of being affected by obstructive sleep apnea your initial reaction would be to contact a physician who may recommend you to undergo the polysomnography test which is considered as the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea. However, the cost of getting diagnosed, the cumbersome procedure, the waiting time for the results and most importantly undergoing the tests in an unfamiliar environment can make most people uncomfortable or ignoring the referrals provided by their physician.

A better option for you would be to consider whether the dentist near me can offer a solution that could perhaps help you overcome the problem of sleep apnea. Discussing with dentist T3B 5K1 will give you access to information that an effective treatment for sleep apnea in Calgary is indeed available from dentists that are working in association with sleep physicians. The information received should not surprise you because dentists initially pioneered the diagnosis of sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Therefore, you are suggested to contact your dentist in Calgary and request an examination to determine whether you are a suitable candidate to receive oral appliance therapy.

Research Required Before Choosing an Option To Treat This Condition

Before you proceed any further with a request for some help to manage the condition of obstructive sleep apnea you must research whether the dentist you are contacting is qualified and trained sufficiently to conduct diagnosis or provide treatment for this condition. This is because not every dental professional has received the qualification on the training needed to manage cases of sleep apnea. Your chances of receiving proper advice significantly increase if you contact a professional that is trained and accredited by various regulatory bodies that are governing these activities. If your dentist in Calgary has the qualifications needed you can rest assured you have found a professional that can treat your condition of sleep apnea effectively.

Oral Appliance Therapy Requires Customized Mouth Guards And Not Over-The-Counter Products

Unlike the traditional polysomnography test which is cumbersome and requires you to wear many tubes and wires on your body when sleeping the oral appliance therapy is a convenient treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The device is similar to a mouthguard and may, therefore, give you the feeling that you can purchase one from the stores near you. However, you are advised not to act in haste unless the oral appliance is recommended to you by your dentist who will also customize a device to help you.

As you begin your treatment you will be required to wear the oral appliance in your mouth like an orthodontic retainer. The device prevents your airway from collapsing either by holding the tongue or supporting the jaw in a forward position. You will need to obtain a custom-designed device from your dentist as mentioned earlier because over-the-counter devices are unsuitable for this purpose.

After you begin the therapy as recommended by your dentist you will be working with members of the sleep team that would have provided you with the oral appliance. The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea must be conducted by a board-certified sleep medicine physician. After you are diagnosed with this condition a specialist in dental sleep medicine will treat you with an oral appliance.

You may be offered two types of oral appliances for treating the problem of obstructive sleep apnea. The devices will differ in appearance but both are designed to keep your airway open when you sleep. Oral appliance therapy provided by dentists is a better option which is cost-effective and can deliver similar results as the CPAP machine which is not only inconvenient and unaffordable but also delays receiving treatment by patients because of the slow speed at which the results are delivered. People can, therefore, consider whether they want to contact their physician to undergo the cumbersome procedures or simply visit their dentist who may also be in a position to provide them with a suitable solution.