Sleep Apnea Dentist in Bloomington, IN

The compassionate team at Ellettsville Dental Center wants you to sleep safely and peacefully throughout the night. This is why we offer therapy for snoring and sleep apnea in Ellettsville, IN.

It’s important to remember that dentists are maxillofacial experts, making them ideal when it comes to aiding in the treatment of these conditions.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition, but too often, patients are not aware that they even have this problem. Fortunately, your dentist in Ellettsville, IN can evaluate your symptoms, assess your risks, and make the best recommendations for your long-term health. These recommendations include intervention and treatment from your trusted dentist.

It’s important to remember that sleep apnea, without treatment, can lead to severe health conditions involving the heart, and it may even contribute to a sudden stroke.

Sleep apnea means that you stop breathing several times during the night. These periods are typically brief but—without professional intervention—still contribute to serious health complications.

Sleep Apnea Causes and Symptoms

Common causes of sleep apnea include:

• Obesity
• Stress
• Anatomical issues in the neck or throat

Men are more likely to experience sleep apnea compared with women.

Sleep apnea has also been linked to bruxism, which means you grind and clench your teeth during sleep. Bruxism can lead to tooth wear (short teeth), cavities, infections, tooth sensitivity, tooth fractures, and even tooth loss.

Symptoms of sleep apnea may include some or all of the following:

• Clenching and grinding
• Snoring
• Frequent waking
• Feeling sleepy throughout the day
• Mood changes, including depression
• Headaches
• High blood pressure

Diagnosis and Treatment at Ellettsville Dental Center

Our dentists in Bloomington can spot the telltale signs of sleep apnea and snoring during your regular dental exam. These signs may include narrow airway and tooth wear.

Your dentist may suggest a sleep study be ordered by a certified sleep physician or, if you already have a diagnosis, provide treatment to help keep you safe during rest.

In some cases, people with sleep apnea rely on CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machines to keep their airways open throughout the night. These machines may work for some, but several of our patients find sleeping with a CPAP difficult. A CPAP machine means a mask over the mouth and nose; this mask connects to a machine that pushes air throughout the night.

Fortunately, your dentist in Ellettsville offers an alternative—a custom device that fits in the mouth, gently keeping the airway open as you sleep. This appliance is also designed to help with bruxism and snoring without apnea.

Contact Us for Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment in Bloomington, IN

If you have one or more symptoms of sleep apnea—or if a loved one has mentioned that you snore—contact a member of our dental team today to schedule a sleep apnea exam. Your gentle dentist will assess your symptoms and make the best determination for your care.

We proudly serve patients in Ellettsville, Bloomington, Spencer, and all points beyond.