Have you been told that you snore? Are you constantly tired, no matter how many hours per night you sleep? Struggling to lose weight? You may be suffering from sleep apnea, a dangerous condition that can cause a long list of potentially fatal health problems. Fortunately, we're here to help!
Cigno Family Dental proudly offers the very best sleep apnea treatment near Greenfield, WI because patients have Dr. Cigno on their sides.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your muscles relax during sleep, allowing the soft tissue to collapse and block the airway. As a result, sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing up to hundreds of times a night for anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute. Snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems, irritability, fatigue, and insomnia are all signs that you could be losing shut-eye to sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can be a potentially life-threatening condition. It can increase the risk for other serious health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and impotence.
The traditionally prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. It involves sleeping with a face mask connected by tubing to a constantly running machine. Although CPAP is effective, up to half of patients don’t adhere to the treatment. Dentists can provide an alternate sleep solution with oral appliance therapy.
How We Use Oral Appliance Therapy to Treat Sleep Apnea
Oral appliance therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea that fits easily into your lifestyle. A dental oral appliance looks like a sports mouthguard and is worn only during sleep. It supports the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway, preventing sleep apnea and snoring.
Once you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a dentist experienced in dental sleep medicine can make a custom-fitted oral appliance using models of your teeth. Oral appliance therapy is covered by many medical insurance plans. Patients like it because it’s comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable, convenient for travel, and easy to clean.
Treating snoring or sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy can help you feel like a new person. You will find that your symptoms, and your quality of life, can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly. Custom-fit oral appliances from our Greenfield dental office can improve your sleep, restore your alertness, and revitalize your health.
If you have concerns about snoring and sleep apnea, it may be time to make an appointment. Dr. Cigno is ready to answer your questions about obstructive sleep apnea, dental sleep medicine, and oral appliance therapy.
The Consultation Process
Your consultation will consist of a complimentary sleep assessment. Our sleep assessments are designed to gauge the risk you may have for airway obstruction. Based on the findings from your risk assessment, we may recommend a CT scan that has the ability to scan the airway for any obstruction. Afterward, we will conduct a home sleep study using our take-home sleep study machine, Matrix. From there, Dr. Cigno will review your case and determine which type of therapy could work best for you.
Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 22 million people have sleep apnea in the United States alone. If you have been diagnosed with, or suspect that you have this condition, you could be at a higher risk for:
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Depression
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Diabetes
- Worsening ADHD
We'll Bill Your Medical Insurance!
Most dentists do not bill patients' medical insurance for sleep apnea treatment, but we do! This means that you can receive a thorough screening from the dentist you know and trust, without needing to seek out an outside specialist. We accept many major medical insurance plans for sleep apnea treatment. Call today for more information!
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Screening With Dr. Cigno Today!
Don't let sleep apnea take away your quality of life. Call us today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation!