At Jones Family Dental, we know the importance of good night's sleep.  Healthy sleep is central to overall good health. 

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Why is sleep so important?

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by complete or partial blockage of the airway.  It is often characterized by repetitive episodes of shallow or paused breathing when someone is sleeping.  Snoring is often a sign that someone may have OSA but not everyone who snores has OSA.  With the decrease in breathing, the blood oxygen saturation drops dramatically.   A decrease in blood oxygen over time results in dramatically higher risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and even depression.   People who have OSA often don't know they have it. 

 

If you experience some or all of the following symptoms, ask us about an evaluation for snoring/OSA:

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• Waking up with a very sore or dry throat

• Loud snoring

• Occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation

• Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day

• Sleepiness while driving

• Morning headaches

• clenching teeth or grinding

• Restless sleep

• Forgetfulness and mood changes

• Recurrent awakenings or insomnia

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Treatment

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If Dr. Jones suspects OSA may be an issue, we will provide you with a referral for an in home sleep study. Once a diagnosis of OSA is determined, most patients are often prescribed a CPAP, which uses positive air pressure to maintain an open airway while you sleep.  If you have tried such a device and are unable to sleep with it, there is another option.  At Jones Family Dental, we are proud to be able to offer you a oral device that opens your airway while you sleep while still being much less intrusive than a CPAP machine.

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If you snore too loudly but don't have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, we still have a solution for you!  Ask us about our anti-snoring devices!