March 29th, 2012 Pioneer Valley Dental Now Offers Alternative To Traditional CPAP Machine To Treat Sleep Apnea
Pioneer Valley Dental Now Offers Alternative To Traditional CPAP Machine To Treat Sleep Apnea
West Valley City, Utah (PRWEB) March 08, 2012
Dental devices designed to treat sleep apnea are now available at West Valley City’s Pioneer Valley Dental (http://www.pioneervalleydental.com). These devices are an alternative to the Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) machine, which is currently the most common form of sleep apnea treatment. The CPAP device is a mask-like machine that provides a constant stream of air, which keeps breathing passages open during sleep.
“Many people out there don’t know that there are dental devices available today that can help treat sleep apnea. You don’t have to go right to the CPAP machine if you are diagnosed with this sleep disorder,” says Dr. R. Taylor World, a dentist at Pioneer Valley Dental. “Most of these devices are acrylic and fit right inside the mouth, much like a mouth guard would. There are also devices that fit around your head and chin, which aim to adjust the position of your lower jaw. Both of these types of devices allow you to open your airway by bringing your lower jaw or tongue forward while you’re sleeping.”
World goes on to say, “It is important to be fitted by a dentist who specializes in treating sleep apnea, and to plan on visiting that dentist on a regular basis to check for any dental problems that could occur. Your dentist may also need to periodically adjust the mouthpiece to ensure that it is always fitted properly.”
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects the way someone breathes during sleep, which can then lead to sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep deprivation can result in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes and poor concentration. Sleep apnea can also lead to more serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and weight gain.
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (the most common form), central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea (a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea). Symptoms of sleep apnea can include loud and chronic snoring, long pauses in breathing, choking, snorting or gasping during sleep, restless or fitful sleep, daytime sleepiness, headaches, forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating, moodiness, insomnia and waking up with a sore mouth or throat. Those who are prone to having sleep apnea are males, smokers, overweight, over the age of 65 and have a family history of sleep apnea. However, the disorder can affect anyone at any age.
“These dental devices are used to effectively treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. There can be side effects when using these types of dental devices including soreness of the mouth or jaw, excess saliva, nausea and damage or permanent change in positioning of the jaw, teeth and mouth,” says World.
After studying medicinal chemistry at the University of Utah, Dr. World earned his dental degree from the University of Iowa in 1986. He has been a member of the Utah Dental Association and the American Dental Association since 1986. He served on the board of the Salt Lake Donated Dental Facility, one of the nation’s only free dental clinics, for 10 years and was chairman of the organization for two years.
Pioneer Valley Dental is staffed with six trained and certified dentists available six days a week with extended evening hours for dental emergencies. Pioneer Valley Dental is located at 3540 S. 4000 W. in West Valley City. For emergencies and appointments call (801)969-6200, or visit http://www.pioneervalleydental.com.
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