Treating Snoring and Sleep Apnea Through Dentistry
Dentistry is not just limited to the cleaning and care of teeth. Geneva, IL dentist Dr. Neeraj Khanna practices what is known as “complete dentistry”, considering the patient as a whole to treat underlying problems and conditions associated with the mouth, teeth, and TMJ. Dental sleep medicine is a concentration of Dr. Khanna. Using oral appliances, he is able to treat sleep related breathing disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea.
While snoring alone is not a major medical concern, it may be an indication of a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse and vibrate during sleep, producing the sound known as snoring. Snoring more commonly affects people who are overweight, pregnant women and people who use drugs, alcohol or smoke.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common of the sleep-related breathing disorders. Patients who suffer with OSA stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, caused by a blockage of the airway usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the mouth collapses. OSA is strongly linked to obesity, but there are a range of risk factors associated with it. Left untreated, OSA can significantly increase the risk for stroke and heart attack in patients with existing cardiovascular disease.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea: Treatment Options
There are a wide variety of treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Khanna focuses on oral appliance therapy which includes customized splints, mouth guards and night guards that are custom made and designed to keep the airways open during sleep:
- Repositions the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate or uvula
- Stabilizes the lower jaw and tongue
- Increases the muscle tone of the tongue
An alternative to the CPAP, oral appliances provide treatment that is more comfortable, improving patient compliance which translates to improved health and a reduction in symptoms that can affect quality of life:
- Feeling groggy or sleepy during the day
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Snoring
- Headaches in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restless sleep, sudden waking
Schedule a Consultation
Learn more about Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment available at Khanna Dentistry. Our office is conveniently located in Geneva, Illinois. Dr. Neeraj Khanna gladly welcomes new patients and out of town patients.
Call us at 630.326.3635 or schedule an appointment online.