Sleep Apnea Treatment Raleigh
Yes, We Can Help You Sleep Better!
Many patients are surprised to learn we can help them with issues like snoring and sleep apnea. But the truth is that in most cases, the primary physical symptoms of these problems occur in the mouth and upper airway, areas of the body Dr. Wiggs is an expert in. Whether you can’t seem to get enough sleep or your spouse/partner has been banished to the couch because of snoring, there is a solution available (and it doesn’t have to be a bulky CPAP machine).
Why Choose Wiggs Family Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Viable, Comfortable CPAP Alternative
- Able to Stop Snoring & Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Oral Appliances That Guard Against Teeth Grinding
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
When a person has sleep apnea, they briefly stop breathing several times throughout the night. This disrupts the sleep cycle and prevents someone from reaching the deeper, restorative stages.
The risks of untreated sleep apnea go well beyond simply being exhausted all the time:
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents
- Increased risk of workplace accidents
- Increased risk of slip and fall accidents
- Memory and focus issues
- Trouble with emotional regulation
- Rapid weight gain/trouble losing weight
- Overall shorter life expectancy (about 10 years)
How Does a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
The most commonly prescribed treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, which involves a patient literally wearing a mask connected to an air pump that forces oxygen into the throat to keep it open. If that doesn’t exactly sound restful to you, you’re far from alone, as reports show that over 50% of people who are prescribed a CPAP don’t use it.
But there is an alternative—a small oral appliance called Glidewell Silent Nite. Designed with the help of Dr. Wiggs, you simply wear it to bed, and it works by slightly shifting the lower jaw a few millimeters forward. This naturally protects the airway from closing and prevents snoring. It’s a quieter, easier, more comfortable approach for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.