Do you or your partner snore during sleep? Or awaken feeling groggy and tired most mornings? 
Asheville dentist Dr. Miller offers treatment for patients who snore, bringing relief from symptoms and a good night’s sleep for all!
Snoring is not just the result of a stuffy nose or bad sleeping position, it can also signal a health concern called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) that has been linked to a greater risk of stroke, heart disease and other physical health issues. Patients who suffer from OSA actually stop breathing momentarily during sleep, depriving their organs of much needed oxygen, and restart with a loud snore.
OSA is frequently the result of a blocked airway and is more common in patients who are overweight or have enlarged tonsils. OSA is often undiagnosed, but there are several key symptoms that many experience and that should be brought to the attention of your doctor or dentist:
- Loud snoring- sometimes only noticed by family members
- Morning headaches
- Feeling groggy or unable to concentrate, even after a “good night’s sleep”
- Sleepiness during the day or while driving
- Insomnia or frequently waking up at night
- A consistent sore or dry throat in the morning
Dr. Miller offers a take home sleep study kit to help diagnose the cause of snoring and will work with a patient’s regular physician when necessary to help determine a possible sleep disorder such as OSA.
Dr. Miller recommends oral appliance therapy for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. While the CPap machine is often recommended and considered the “gold standard” for treatment of OSA, oral appliance therapy can also be very effective. Most patients prefer oral appliance therapy for comfort reasons and will be more likely to use it on a consistent basis: an important part of any treatment.
OSA can be a debilitating health issue when unresolved, affecting daily life for many as well as posing health risks. Discuss your concerns during a visit with Dr. Miller in his Asheville dental office and restore your health with a better night’s sleep!