Dental sleep medicine is that part of the RR Dentistry dental practice that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Dentists Treat Sleep Apnea too!
Did you know that Dr. Ryan Roberson here at RR Dentistry has received extensive training to help treat and manage your snoring and sleep apnea? Dental sleep medicine is an area of dental practice that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dr. Ryan Roberson working together with local and abroad sleep physicians help identify the best treatment for each patient. Dr. Ryan Roberson here at RR Dentistry is a qualified member of The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) which is a professional society for dentists who help patients control snoring and obstructive sleep apnea through the use of oral appliance therapy.
If you have trouble tolerating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or prefer an alternate treatment for sleep apnea, talk to Dr. Ryan Roberson today. Oral appliance therapy can help you and your bed partner get a good night’s sleep, and it will improve your health and quality of life.
Your Health and Quality of Life
The quality of your sleep has a dramatic impact on your health, well-being and overall quality of life. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea disrupt your sleep and increase your risk of severe health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and early loss of life. Remember that snoring is a warning sign that should never be ignored. Talk to your doctor and Dr. Ryan Roberson here at RR Dentistry about your treatment options and what is best for you.
Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Snoring is a common warning sign for obstructive sleep apnea. Prior to treatment, you should be diagnosed by a board-certified sleep medicine physician. If you have snoring without sleep apnea, your doctor should give you a prescription for an oral sleep appliance. If you have sleep apnea, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The CPAP machine keeps your airway open by providing forced air through flexible tubing. CPAP therapy requires you to wear a mask as you sleep. Although CPAP therapy is effective, some people are unable to adhere to it. Your doctor should consider giving you a prescription for a sleep apnea appliance if you are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy or prefer an alternate treatment. Many people like an oral appliance because it is comfortable, quiet, portable and easy to wear. In some severe cases of sleep apnea, upper airway surgery may be another treatment option.
Introduction to Oral Appliance Therapy
Dentists pioneered the use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring in adults. An oral appliance is a device worn in the mouth only during sleep. It fits like a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. A custom-fit oral sleep appliance is an effective treatment that prevents the airway from collapsing by supporting the jaw in a forward position and most importantly preventing the jaw from opening and falling back limiting the airflow while you try and sleep.
Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. Provided by Dr. Ryan Roberson, oral appliance therapy uses a custom fit, “mouth guard-like” device worn only during sleep. Oral appliance therapy helps maintain an open, unobstructed airway by preventing your lower jaw from falling back at night time while you sleep. This action, therefore, allows a more open airway and in turn better sleep with fewer disruptions.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ryan Roberson here at RR Dentistry regarding your snoring or questions about if you have sleep apnea, give us a call at (512) 869-5997 or email us. We look forward to hearing from you and getting you resting well and closer to becoming the best version of yourself!
