IF YOU CAN’T WEAR A CPAP – WE CAN HELP!
Dentistry is not just limited to the cleaning and care of teeth. Dr. Spink practices what is known as “complete dentistry”, considering the patient as a whole to treat underlying problems and conditions associated with the mouth, teeth, and TMJ. Dental sleep medicine is concentration of Dr. Spink, who is a member of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM).
Using oral appliances, we are able to treat sleep related breathing disorders in our Vestavia Hills, AL dentist office including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
While snoring alone is not a major medical concern, it may be an indication of a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse and vibrate during sleep, producing the sound known as snoring. The prevalence of sleep apnea increases with age and it is estimated that as many as 50% of elderly men and women suffer from the disorder.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common of the sleep-related breathing disorder. Patients who suffer with OSA stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, caused by a blockage of the airway usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the mouth collapses. OSA is strongly linked to obesity.
OSA can often lead to additional health problems and raises the risk of stroke, heart attack and hypertension. Treating early can help patients restore their health and get a better night's sleep.
Treatment for OSA will vary based on the individual diagnosis. Certain lifestyle changes can help to alleviate the symptoms of OSA including weight loss, smoking cessation and eliminating alcohol and sedative use.
Dr. Spink offers oral appliance therapy with either Somnodent or The Moses appliance.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Feeling groggy or sleepy during the day
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Snoring
- Headaches in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restless sleep, sudden waking
Treatment is important in order to lower the health risks associated with this sleep disorder, including stroke. Dr. Spink will evaluate your health history and recommend the best treatment option based on a thorough exam.
SomnoDent Oral Appliance
The SomnoDent is an industry leader in oral appliance therapy . It is clinically proven and FDA cleared to treat OSA. This oral appliance is suited for those who have mild to moderate OSA and those who do not respond to, are not appropriate candidates for , or who fail treatment attempts with CPAP. If you have tried CPAP and found it uncomfortable, wake up to a brilliant alternative treatment for OSA. The difference in comfort and tolerance will astound you. Dr. Spink himself even uses one!
Dr. Spink works hand in hand with sleep physicians to find the best solution for his patients and constantly monitors their treatment. The SomnoDent is evidence based to be highly effective in treating OSA.
Some of its benefits include:
- Better quality of sleep
- Mobility of the jaw, you can drink and talk while appliance is in
- Device is small and compact
- More comfortable for the patient
- Easy to travel with- it can fit in your pocket!
The CPAP is the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea, but often has a poor compliance level. Patients often find the CPAP to be uncomfortable. Somnodent, when used consistently, has been proven to reduce symptoms of sleep apnea and lower the health risks associated with this type of sleep disorder.Moses Sleep Appliance
The Moses appliance is an FDA cleared device for treating snoring and sleep apnea. Worn at night, the Moses appliance restricts the tongue from collapsing into the airway and causing a momentary cessation in breathing, the hallmark of OSA.
This appliance is uniquely designed to be effective yet comfortable: patients can open wide, drink and speak normally when wearing it! This greatly increases compliance, which is the key to treating this disorder and preventing additional health risks associated with it.