Sleep Apnea Treatment Kerrville
No More Restless Nights
Sleep apnea is a dangerous disorder that affects millions of people. If you struggle to get enough high-quality sleep each night, you might be one of its victims! The good news is that effective sleep apnea treatment is available in our Kerrville office. Dr. Butler and our team are proud to offer oral appliance therapy, an advanced and non-invasive option for better rest. Continue reading below to learn more, or contact us directly to set up your appointment.
Why Choose Carroll Butler, DDS, for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Effective & Non-Invasive Oral Appliance Therapy
- Popular Alternative to CPAP
- Caring & Skilled Dental Team
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the most common form of sleep apnea, the pauses occur because tissues in the throat stop the free flow of oxygen. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send proper breathing signals to the body. Some people have a mix of both types of sleep apnea.
You might have OSA if:
- You snore loudly and frequently
- You often wake up feeling tired
- You wake up with a sore throat or headache
- You need to make frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom
- Your partner has observed that you sometimes stop breathing during sleep
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea might seem like just an annoyance, but it can actually have big consequences for your health! The repeated pauses in breathing lower your body’s oxygen level, increase your body’s overall burden of stress, and prevent you from spending enough time in the deeper stages of sleep. As a result, you may be at a greater risk of issues like heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, and more. There is even a heightened risk of emotional challenges, such as anxiety and depression.
Additionally, sleep apnea can slow down your reflexes and increase the chances that you will be involved in a dangerous accident.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
CPAP therapy is the most common way to address sleep apnea. It involves the use of a machine that forces out pressurized air to prevent airway blockages. Unfortunately, many patients do not use their CPAP because they find it to be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Oral appliance therapy is a popular alternative. Dr. Butler and our team can design a custom device, which sort of resembles a mouthguard, that you wear during sleep. It gently shifts your lower jaw forward, which helps to keep the airway open so you can breathe without disruption throughout the night. Oral appliance therapy is quite comfortable for most patients and has a higher compliance rate than CPAP.
