Do you wake up exhausted? Does your partner complain of sleeplessness caused by your snoring? If this sounds all-too familiar, you could be one of the estimated 22 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea. The good news is that the talented team at Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville, led by Dr. Patti Swaintek-Lam can offer you relief and get you set on the path to a better night of sleep.
Sleep apnea is the slowed breathing at night that causes repeated awakening unknown to the sleeper. The most frequent type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is when a person’s airway is blocked by collapsing throat tissue. This is certainly no laughing matter. In fact, the consequences of untreated OSA are extremely serious.
Untreated OSA is linked to cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, depression, and obesity. In short, sleep apnea steals more than sleep – it steals life. OSA causes the brain to chronically suffer from insufficient oxygen. Drowsiness and chronic fatigue can lead to mental confusion and an inability to make quick judgments, which is dangerous to those around you, especially when you’re driving or operating machinery.
Should you be worried? Ask yourself if you are currently experiencing any of the following symptoms: insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, snoring, jaw clenching or grinding, obesity, irritability, heartburn, reduced libido. If these symptoms sound familiar, perhaps you’re ready to come see us and meet with Dr. Patti Swaintek-Lamb!
In addition to being highly trained in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Patti has completed over 50 hours of continuing education with The Scope Institute for Sleep Apnea and Appliance Therapy and completed several mini residencies. She currently holds the title of Qualified Dentist with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, meaning she has taken many courses, spent time in a sleep lab observing patients undergoing sleep tests and worked closely with many sleep physicians. Dr. Patti will work with your sleep physician to restore your regular breathing during sleep, thus relieving loud snoring and daytime fatigue!
Once you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your next major task is to decide which treatment will work best for you. The most common treatment is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. CPAP is an effective treatment, but some people struggle with being tethered to a machine and report mouth and throat dryness and irritation.
At Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville, we have another solution that won’t limit your nighttime movement or dry you out: a dental appliance. Our dental appliances are custom-made, so they’re comfortable. They are only worn at night, allowing for minimal disruption to your lifestyle. They work by moving your lower jaw and tongue forward, allowing you to breathe freely and get a good night’s sleep.
Dr. Patti isn’t like ordinary dentists — she uses her knowledge gained from her education and experience to work to ensure that her patients have both dental and whole-body health. If you’re ready to be “successful in sleep,” you owe it to yourself to give us a call.