Why should I visit a dentist in St. Louis, MO for obstructive sleep apnea treatment?

Sometimes referred to by patients in St. Louis, MO area as “OSA,” obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that can rob patients of a full night’s rest. This condition is caused by a blockage that develops in the airways and contributes to a patient waking up hundreds of times in one night. This cycle continues and keeps individuals from getting a good night’s rest, never reaching the deep, restorative levels of sleep that are needed to feel well-rested. Drs. Allan and Drew Link of The DentaLink in Ballwin, MO can assist with effective dental treatment for obstructive sleep apnea—that does not require the use of a CPAP machine.

What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

OSA is caused by blockages in the airways. For some patients, this may be their tongue falling back into the throat. For others, it may be excess fat in the neck area that collapses the airways and makes it difficult to breathe clearly throughout the night. Regardless of the cause, many patients will undergo a sleep study with their primary care physician to properly diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Typically, doctors will recommend using a CPAP machine, a device worn while a patient sleeps. These devices, however, are extremely uncomfortable, and many patients do not comply with their recommended treatments.

How can my dentist help?

A sleep apnea dentist can provide patients with an alternative to the CPAP machine called oral appliance therapy. Instead of wearing a cumbersome device over the nose and mouth, this involves using a simple mouthguard-like device that is worn comfortably while patients sleep. It maintains an open airway by realigning the jaw and holding down the tongue, ensuring patients reach the deep sleep required to awaken the following day fresh and alert! The oral appliance is easy to travel with, comfortable to wear, and not as intrusive as a CPAP machine can be.

Who do I call to schedule a visit with a quality sleep apnea dentist?

Drs. Allen and Andrew Link manage two office locations in the areas of Ballwin and St. Louis, MO area and are here to help patients with their dental needs, including the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea without a CPAP machine. Patients in the community are welcome to call the office at (636) 496 8584 to request a consultation visit and find out if they are a good fit for oral appliance therapy to get a great night’s rest! The office is located at 14335 Manchester Road and accepts new families and individuals seeking comprehensive dental care.

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