Sleep Apnea Specialist
Metairie Village Dentistry
Cosmetic & Sedation Dentist located in Metairie, LA
A good night’s sleep is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, over 22 million Americans are not able to get the sleep needed to revitalize themselves after a long day. Often, one of the main causes of sleep disruption is sleep apnea. At Metairie Village Dentistry in Metairie, Louisiana, Lisa Wyatt, DDS, and her team can help treat you for sleep apnea so you can get the needed rest you’ve been longing for. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request one online today.
Sleep Apnea Q&A
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and occurs when throat muscles relax and interrupt a regular breathing pattern.
Central sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea happens because the brain doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Complex sleep apnea syndrome
Complex sleep apnea syndrome, or treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, is caused when someone has a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition and requires professional treatment.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Those who suffer from sleep apnea may experience various symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Experiencing a dry mouth when you wake
- Insomnia
- Irritability
Sleep apnea also causes you to feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. Once you have received a diagnosis from your health care physician, Dr. Wyatt can provide treatment options.
How can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
There are a few different ways to treat sleep apnea. At Metairie Village Dentistry, Dr. Wyatt uses a combination of laser treatments and an oral appliance to treat individuals living with sleep apnea.
Using the Fotona® NightLase® laser, Dr. Wyatt reduces the effects of sleep apnea and decreases snoring. NightLase is a noninvasive form of laser treatment that provides a gentle tightening effect by decreasing the amount of collagen in the oral tissue.
Dr. Wyatt also provides you with an oral device to use while you sleep. Depending on your needs, the oral device may bring your lower jaw forward or hold your tongue in a specific position. Dr. Wyatt makes sure that the device is comfortable, so it does not interfere with restful sleep.
Dr. Wyatt works with you to find the best treatment option possible and ensures that you get the sleep you need.
To schedule your consultation and start the first steps towards a more restful night’s sleep, call Metairie Village Dentistry or request an appointment online today.