Call Today to Learn More about Our Sleep Apnea Treatment Options!
740-214-1301If you’re aren’t getting a restful night’s sleep, sleep apnea could be the cause. One of sleep apnea’s symptoms is chronic snoring, which means the rest of your household may not get much rest either. Even worse, research has linked sleep apnea to some pretty serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and depression.
Dr. Charles Hawkins on sleep apnea treatment at Hawkins Complete Dental Service
Fortunately, Zanesville, OH dentist Dr. Charles Hawkins can relieve your sleep apnea symptoms and get you – and your loved ones – resting comfortably again. He is a Diplomate for and has national accreditation from the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, an independent, nonprofit board that certifies licensed dentists who treat sleep-related breathing disorders. Many dentists offer sleep apnea treatment, but Dr. Hawkins has the credentials to back it up! He’s the first dentist in southeastern Ohio to receive this accreditation.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, call Hawkins Complete Dental Service at 740-214-1301 to book a free consultation with Dr. Hawkins.
Get a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis in Zanesville, OH
The first step in treating sleep apnea is getting a diagnosis. Your diagnosis must come from a physician, but Dr. Hawkins often works closely with physicians on helping you get a sleep study done. We can even provide a machine you can use in the comfort of your own home. It monitors breathing changes as you sleep. We can then download the data and send it to the physician of your choice, who uses it to make a diagnosis. Many people find this a far less stressful experience than spending the night in a sleep center.
Treat Sleep Apnea with a Custom Oral Appliance
The most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, is caused when your tongue or other soft tissue blocks your airway as you sleep. Sleep apnea sufferers gasp to breathe and partially awaken – sometimes as many as hundreds of times a night. We can treat sleep apnea with an FDA-approved custom oral appliance that gently shifts your jaw forward to keep your airway open.
There are numerous types of appliances, which is where Dr. Hawkins’ expertise comes in. He can determine which one will work best for you. Regardless of which type is used, it will fit perfectly and be comfortable to wear as it’s custom-made for you. You’ll be able to easily breathe, speak, and possibly even drink liquids when wearing your appliance. You might even be able to get your appliance covered by your medical insurance plan!
The appliances work well for mild and moderate cases of sleep apnea. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is often recommended for more severe cases of sleep apnea. However, some people find a CPAP too restrictive or uncomfortable to wear. One study found only about half of people prescribed a CPAP continued to use it five years after their sleep apnea diagnosis. In some cases, an oral appliance can be a good alternative to a CPAP machine.
In addition to being more comfortable than a CPAP machine, many people find oral appliances:
- Easier to use and maintain. You just insert the appliance into your mouth. You won’t have to find a convenient electric outlet. And oral appliances are easier to clean, too.
- Easier to transport. An oral appliance easily fits into a pocket or a purse.
- Easier to wear. No worries about becoming disconnected from an oral appliance during the night.
If you’re ready for a restful night’s sleep, call Hawkins Complete Dental Service at 740-214-1301 to find out more about our sleep apnea treatment. Our Zanesville, OH dentist office is located minutes away from Eaglesticks Golf Club.
