AMES, IA DENTAL SERVICES – DRS. NIEGSCH, KROOK, & MORGAN
Sleep Apnea Treatment
The doctors of Dentistry At Somerset in Ames, Iowa offer effective, nonsurgical relief from sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders—including snoring. Ask us how you can get the restful, healthy sleep you’ve been missing.
Chris can sleep soundly thanks to the sleep appliance made by Dr. Niegsch
“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Niegsch’s for probably fifteen years. A couple of years ago, I got the sleep appliance and it’s definitely something that has really helped my sleep at night. The last few years, I’d noticed that my sleep had been affected by the snoring. Once I tried the sleep appliance that Dr. Niegsch made for me, it certainly helped my sleep. I was able to sleep through the night and woke up in the morning feeling like I’d had a much better rest.”–Chris
What is Sleep Apnea?
According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep apnea is defined as a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops for periods of 10 seconds or longer. Pauses in breathing may occur 5 times or more an hour during sleep. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.
There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when an airway collapses; and central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Dangers & Risks of Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea increases the chances of heart attack, stroke, type II diabetes, and even sudden death. Up to 20% of the U.S. adult population is estimated to be affected by sleep apnea. Even more alarming is that nearly 90% of the population remains undiagnosed! Reports now indicate a relationship between untreated sleep apnea and cancer, dementia, obesity, and other dangerous health issues.
- Anxiety
- Brain Fog
- Depression
- Arrhythmia
- Stroke
- Obesity
- Impotence
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Low Blood Oxygen Level
What Are The Treatment Options?
In order to maintain an open airway during sleep and prevent the collapse associated with sleep apnea, there are several treatment options. Traditional medical options include a CPAP machine or various types of surgery involving the nasal and/or oral airways. Our doctors will recommend the use of an airway device that looks a little like a sports mouthguard. This oral device repositions your jaw to open the airway and provide a snore-free and apnea-free restful sleep.
How Does An Oral Appliance Work?
Oral appliances are custom-fabricated mouthpieces that are similar to an orthodontic retainer or a sports mouthguard. The appliance is worn at night over the teeth and it functions to keep the airway from collapsing during sleep. Airway maintenance is achieved by comfortably repositioning the lower jaw and tongue forward or by restraining the tongue to keep the airway open. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral sleep appliances as a first-line treatment option for individuals with mild or moderate sleep apnea or for those who are unable to use CPAP. Oral appliances are also ideal for those who are not candidates for surgery or for those who do not prefer to pursue airway surgery in Ames, Iowa, and the surrounding area.
Does Insurance Pay For Oral Appliances?
Many medical (not dental) insurance companies pay for the cost of oral sleep appliance treatment if proper medical protocols are followed by an experienced and qualified provider of sleep medicine.
Treatment for Snoring
When you come in, we will discuss how snoring is affecting your health, and evaluate your condition. If your issue is snoring and not sleep apnea, our doctors may suggest you start using a custom-made snore guard. These guards work much like an athletic mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer. The snore guard is worn while you sleep and helps to reduce or even eliminate snoring.
By adjusting your jaw position, your airway is more open which allows air to move freely through your nose and mouth while you sleep, virtually eliminating snoring. This openness also allows more air into your lungs and helps you sleep better and without interruption.
When you use one of our custom-fitted snore guards, you will snore less, sleep better, and allow your bed partner to sleep more peacefully. Increase your quality of life by requesting a consultation with our Ames, Iowa office today.
Why is Snoring Bad?
Many people don’t realize that snoring is the number one symptom of sleep apnea. Just about everyone snores occasionally—even a baby or a pet may snore. Many times snoring can be a sign of a much bigger health problem and can affect the quantity and quality of your sleep. Inadequate sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, weight gain, memory loss, acid reflux, headaches, and other serious health concerns. In addition, if your snoring is loud enough that your bed partner can’t sleep, both of you are not getting proper sleep and effective rest at night.
If you snore regularly and experience any of the symptoms above, you may have sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can adversely affect your overall health, so please seek treatment at Dentistry at Somerset immediately. Request a consultation with our team today and get on the road to deeper, restful sleep and better overall health.
AMES IOWA FAMILIES – MEMBERSHIP CLUB
No Dental Insurance?
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Dentistry At Somerset Membership Club
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AMES IOWA FAMILIES – MEMBERSHIP CLUB
No Dental Insurance?
Join our
Dentistry At Somerset Membership Club
and get your preventive care for a low monthly subscription fee.
Want a Good Night’s Rest?
Jason Niegsch, DDS, FAGD
Daniel Krook, DMD
Autumn Morgan, DDS
New Patients: (515) 337-2244
Our Location
2720 Stange Road
Ames, IA 50010
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