Sleep Apnea Dentist in Anderson SC

Sleep Better and Harder with a Custom Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance.

Sleep Apnea2024-01-25T20:59:43-05:00
Too Exhausted to Smile?

Do you or a partner struggle to get a full night’s rest because of chronic, loud snoring? Do you feel like your quality of sleep is poor no matter what time you’re going to bed and waking up the next day? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder. You might be surprised to hear that a solution to your suffering could be waiting for you at Cornerstone Dentistry.

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What is sleep apnea?

There are three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive, Central, or Mixed/Complex. Dr. Hardy is able to help treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is the most common form and relates to airway obstruction instead of communication barriers between the brain and breathing muscles. An apnea is an increment of time in which breathing is severely reduced or stops altogether. When this occurs during sleep, the time your body is supposed to be recovering and processing the events of your day, it can lead to serious and even deadly side-effects.

What are other signs
and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

While this list is extensive, it is not exhaustive. Keep in mind that you don’t have to experience all of them in order to indicate a problem.

  • Loud, chronic snoring.
  • Choking or gasping for air.
  • Repeated awakenings

  • Frequent urination.
  • Morning dry mouth, headaches, & migraines.
  • Insomnia or nightmares.
  • Depression & anxiety.
  • Chronic fatigue.
  • Daytime drowsiness.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Night sweats.
  • Decreased libido.

The following factors increase the likelihood of a sleep apnea diagnosis:
  • Sex – Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea.

  • Weight – Obesity puts a person at 4x the risk of airway obstruction.

  • Age – Even children can have sleep apnea, but the risk increases after the age of 40.

  • Narrow airway – An inherited trait, exacerbated by enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

  • Alcohol, sedative, or tranquilizer use – Each of these substances relax your throat muscles.

  • Smoking – Increases your risk by 3x. Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in your airway.

  • Chronic nasal congestion – This could be due to allergies or an anatomical problem.

  • Family history – Those genetics can really get you, can’t they?

Do I Really Need Treatment?

On a surface level, it might seem like sleep apnea is more of a nuisance than a hazard to your health. However, if you think about how crucial restful sleep is and how your body reacts to a lack of it, it’s easy to see how the following consequences can befall you if you forgo treatment:

  • Low blood oxygen levels

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Hypertension

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Heart attack

  • Stroke

  • Arrhythmia

  • Diabetes

  • Glaucoma

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Death

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

While the standard treatment for sleep apnea is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, many patients struggle with them. It involves wearing a mask that will manually push air in and out of your lungs, but this mask can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and noisy, too. Because of this, patients don’t experience the kind of restful sleep they were hoping for.

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Sleep Apnea Oral Device Anderson SC

Is There An Alternative?

Absolutely! Dr. Hardy is able to custom-fit an oral appliance that comfortably adjusts your lower jaw and prevents the base of your tongue from blocking your airway. After a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth that includes x-rays and impressions, a SomnoDent MAS will be fabricated for you to wear at night. You’ll still be able to fully open and close your mouth, yawn, drink, speak clearly, and best of all – reclaim restful sleep!

Need some reassurance? The SomnoDent has been independently studied and demonstrated significant clinical benefits, with 91% of patients reporting improvement in their quality of sleep. The device is made with the highest quality acrylic and is durable while offering unparalleled comfort. The SomnoDent also comes with a warranty against manufacturing defects, so you can have full confidence in the product.

Are you ready to finally get rest and remove the brain fog?

If you have any questions about sleep apnea or available treatments, we’d love to speak with you!
Contact your Anderson dentist at Cornerstone Dentistry today at (864) 222-9001, or schedule online!

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Proudly serving patients from Anderson, Seneca , Clemson, Powdersville, Greenville, Easley, Greenwood, and beyond!

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with your Anderson dental team, give us a call at (864) 222-9001or request an appointment online! We look forward to hearing from you!