Sleep Apnea Treatment

A good night's sleep is foundational to your health and well-being. Sleep apnea, a common yet often undiagnosed condition, robs you of restful sleep and can significantly impact your overall health. 

At Mowlajko Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we're committed to enhancing your sleep quality by helping you recognize the signs and finding effective treatment solutions.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. These pauses can occur multiple times per hour, significantly disrupting your sleep cycle. The most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms: More Than Just Snoring

While loud snoring is a hallmark of sleep apnea, this condition often goes unnoticed. One reason is that many symptoms are subtle. Another is that more severe symptoms, like pauses in breathing, occur during sleep and go unnoticed by the sufferer. However, there are other signs that OSA is affecting your life: 

  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness 
  • Attention problems, irritability

Dr. Andy Mowlajko emphasizes the importance of recognizing these subtle signs and encourages consultations for anyone experiencing them. Left untreated, OSA can lead to cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmias.

Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Certain factors increase your risk of sleep apnea:

  • Obesity
  • A narrowed airway
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
  • Certain medical conditions 

Personalized Sleep Apnea Treatment

At Mowlajko Family Dentistry, we offer a holistic approach to sleep apnea treatment. While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the standard of care for severe sleep apnea, many patients find them uncomfortable or intrusive, leading to low compliance. Addressing these concerns is crucial, as consistent treatment is the key to managing sleep apnea effectively.

To provide more patient-friendly alternatives, our dental team collaborates closely with sleep physicians. This partnership allows us to offer solutions that patients are more likely to use consistently, enhancing treatment effectiveness and patient comfort. Our treatment options include:

  • Oral appliances — Custom-fitted devices, like mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are less intrusive than CPAP machines. They are tailored to adjust the position of your jaw or tongue to keep the airway open.
  • Lifestyle changes — Recommendations include weight loss, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol, especially before bedtime.
  • Surgical options — In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical interventions might be considered. 

Our goal is to ensure that you receive a treatment plan that addresses your medical needs and fits comfortably into your lifestyle. By providing alternatives patients are more likely to adhere to, we increase the chances of successful treatment and improved quality of life.

Your Partner in Oral Health and Well-Being

Our team at Mowlajko Family Dentistry is dedicated to providing you with compassionate care and the latest in sleep apnea treatment. By understanding your unique needs, we craft a treatment plan that not only improves your sleep but also enhances your overall quality of life.

Call our Anderson, SC, dental office to schedule an appointment to find the sleep apnea treatment that's right for you.