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Sleep Apnea Treatment in Hilliard, Ohio
Restoring Sleep with
Sleep Apnea treatment
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get in touchIf you or a loved one snores loudly or wakes up tired despite a full night’s sleep, you might be dealing with sleep apnea. At Blank Dental in Hilliard, Ohio, we offer focused care for this common sleep disorder. Our approach emphasizes comfort and ease of use—and for most patients, that starts with a custom mouth guard.
Our welcoming and friendly dental team provides you with client-centered service and exceptional chairside manner, so you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your dental visit.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. These pauses often go unnoticed, but they interrupt your rest and reduce oxygen flow to your body. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can affect your mood, memory, heart health, and more.
There are several types of sleep apnea. The most common type we see and treat is obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat collapse, blocking your airway during sleep.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many people live with sleep apnea without knowing it. Look for these frequent signs:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Irritability or difficulty focusing
If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep study can confirm a diagnosis and guide your treatment options.
A Dental Approach to Managing Sleep Apnea
While many people associate sleep apnea treatment with machines like CPAP, that’s not the only option. At Blank Dental, our Hilliard dentist offers a practical alternative: custom-fitted mouth guards. These oral appliances help keep your airway open so you can breathe freely and rest well.
Mouth guards work by slightly repositioning your lower jaw and tongue. This prevents airway blockage during sleep and reduces snoring. For many people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, this is an effective and comfortable solution.
How a Mouth Guard Helps
A custom mouth guard offers a simple and low-maintenance way to ease sleep apnea symptoms.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Worn only during sleep
- Fits comfortably over your teeth
- Keeps the airway open through gentle jaw support
- No electricity, noise, or tubing
- Easy to clean and travel with
This option is especially useful for people who can’t tolerate CPAP machines or who need a quieter, more streamlined solution.
The Limits of CPAP
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the standard for severe cases of sleep apnea. It uses a pump and mask to deliver air through the airway. While CPAP is effective, many people find it hard to use consistently due to dryness, noise, or discomfort.
Our dentist is trained in sleep medicine, so he can help determine whether a mouth guard alone is appropriate or whether you should explore combined therapies.
The First Step: Diagnosis and Planning
Before you start with any treatment, an accurate diagnosis is key. If you haven’t yet had a confirmed diagnosis of a sleep disorder, we can refer you to a physician or sleep specialist for testing.
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your type of sleep apnea and the severity of your condition will guide the next steps. From there, our team can assess whether an oral appliance suits your needs.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you visit Blank Dental for sleep apnea treatment, we begin by getting to know your health history, sleep concerns, and any past attempts at treatment. We take digital scans and impressions to create a mouth guard that fits you exactly.
On your follow-up visit, we’ll fit and adjust the appliance. We also walk you through simple instructions on wear and care. After that, we check in regularly to ensure the mouth guard continues to work well and fits correctly.
Lifestyle Changes That Help
Alongside using a mouth guard, small lifestyle changes can strengthen your overall sleep health. These adjustments can reduce pressure on your airway and enhance your treatment:
While these steps won’t replace treatment, they can help support your airway and improve the quality of your rest.
Why See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea?
You may not think to visit a dentist for a sleep disorder—but for many patients, we’re an important part of the solution.
Dentists trained in oral appliance therapy play a key role in treating sleep apnea. We have the skills to assess jaw position, fit oral appliances, and ensure ongoing comfort and function. We also work with your medical team whenever needed.
At Blank Dental, we take the time to listen to your symptoms and help craft a plan that fits your everyday life. We focus on care that’s both effective and manageable.
Sleep Better in Hilliard, Ohio
Living with untreated sleep apnea can take a toll on your health and daily life. If you’re looking for an alternative to CPAP or need a second opinion, our Hilliard dental office is here to help.
We offer personalized care centered around oral appliance therapy and are proud to help patients find relief from this often-overlooked condition.
If you’re ready to explore your options for sleep apnea treatment in Hilliard, Ohio, call Blank Dental today to schedule a consultation.
Let’s find a better night’s sleep—starting now.
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