What To Expect When You Start Using A Sleep Device In Cranford, NJ

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue and throat relax and block the airway during sleep, causing the sleeper to stop breathing periodically. One treatment for this condition is a sleep device offered by a dentist or an oral surgeon. The term “sleep device” refers to an oral appliance designed to re-position the tongue and lower jaw to treat snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. A sleeping device is custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth, and most patients experience significant improvement once they get used to wearing an appliance. The following are some things to expect with a new Sleep Device in Cranford NJ.

Increased salivation is normal and generally only lasts for a week to ten days. This is a normal part of the body’s adjustment to the device. The opposite problem, dry mouth, can also occur with patients who breathe through the mouth and are taking in more air than normal due to the position of the appliance.

It is also common to experience a little soreness in the jaw or teeth due to the jaws being re-positioned through pressure on the teeth from the device. Most appliances are made of an upper and lower tray that pull against the upper front and lower back teeth. The pain should diminish in a short time, but it’s important to contact a dentist if the pain persists or gets worse after the first few days.

Many patients also report temporary changes in occlusion. When they first wake up, they may have difficulty closing their jaw to what feels like a normal position. However, this effect should go away after fifteen minutes or so. If the jaw doesn’t return to normal, the dentist or oral surgeon should be notified right away.

The majority of patients report that sleep devices stop their snoring and improve mild to moderate sleep apnea. Sleep devices can also be made for use with a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine, one of the standard treatments for moderate to severe sleep apnea. A number of oral devices are available, and a dentist or oral surgeon can advise patients on the best device for their needs. For more information about using a Sleep Device in Cranford NJ, visit Westfield Oral Surgery.