Find Effective Sleep Apnea Solutions In Plano, TX
Do you often feel like you slept well the night before but wake up feeling tired and exhausted? Most men and women who have significant sleep apnea symptoms struggle with sleepiness during the day, along with chronic headaches, the inability to focus, and other physical ailments that might indicate a sleep disorder. In most cases, when patients discover they may be struggling with sleep apnea, their dentist often diagnoses it.
At My Dentist in Plano, Dr. Darren K. Dickson can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea symptoms for patients in Plano, TX and surrounding areas. During a thorough dental exam, he will screen new and existing patients for sleep apnea signs to protect their overall health from the side effects of this sleep disorder. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment, contact our office to make an appointment with Dr. Dickson today.
What are the signs of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which Plano, TX patients repeatedly stop and start breathing throughout the night. Signs of this common sleep disorder are:
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Snoring
- Insomnia or trouble staying asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Difficulty paying attention or staying focused during the day
- Signs of tooth grinding or bruxism
The link between your dentist and diagnosing sleep apnea
In sleep disorder studies, a pattern often emerges with patients showing a correlation between sleep apnea and sleep-related bruxism. Bruxism is a condition in which patients gnash, clench, or grind their teeth. With sleep apnea, the upper airway becomes constricted, triggering a person's muscles in their mouth to mimic "chewing" to help reopen the airway, thus leading to tooth grinding. Another reason behind patients grinding or clenching their teeth is the body's natural response to produce more saliva to help lubricate the back of the throat, which can become dry with a person's mouth being open throughout the night. Dr. Dickson will look for worn tooth surfaces during a dental exam and screen patients by asking questions about other sleep-related disorder symptoms.
Sleep apnea treatment, and getting help from a dentist in Plano, TX
Dr. Dickson, and the caring team at My Dentist in Plano, can be valuable partners for obstructive sleep apnea treatment. After receiving a diagnosis, he will work in conjunction with a medical diagnostic expert or medical doctor to devise a treatment plan for you. It generally consists of creating a custom-made night mouth guard or oral appliance that keeps the airway open while sleeping, allowing you to feel more rested in the morning. Oral impressions will be taken of the upper and lower bite occlusions. Once the custom-made night mouth guard is ready, patients will return to our office to make any minor adjustments so it fits properly.
If you are concerned about bruxism, signs of sleep apnea, or looking for a custom-made night mouth guard in Plano, TX, schedule a consultation with Dr. Darren Dickson at My Dentist in Plano. You owe it to yourself and your overall health to get a better night's sleep, and Dr. Dickson and his caring team can help. Get sleep apnea treatment with a dentist in Plano, TX by contacting our dental practice today.