Snoring Treatment

Snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse onto themselves and vibrate against each other as we attempt to move air through them—much like the noise a straw makes when you try to draw the last drop of a thick milkshake through it. This produces the sound we know as snoring. Large tonsils, a long soft palate, a large tongue, the uvula, and excess fat deposits in the throat all contribute to airway narrowing and snoring. Typically, the more narrow the airway space, the louder or more habitual the snoring. By using laser therapy or an oral device the dentists at St Johns Family Dentistry truly can help you STOP snoring.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a therapy that treats snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea using a dental appliance that comfortably opens the airway during sleep. This is accomplished by slightly addressing the positioning of the lower jaw and how it is protruded. Our dentists at Jax Beaches Family Dentistry customize the appliance to your mouth making it incredibly comfortable and easy to use.

At Jax Beaches Family Dentistry, we can perform a number of treatments to help stop the progression of gum disease.

Yes. Sleep disordered breathing is a full spectrum of potential breathing disorders. After normal breathing, there are two classes of “primary” snorers. The first, Non-Sleepy Snorers, they snore but do not suffer any ill-health effects. The second group, Sleepy Snorers, suffer fatigue and/or excessive daytime sleepiness without the cardiovascular damage caused by apnea. Then, there is obstructive sleep apnea. At Jax Beaches Family Dentistry, we can determine what you are dealing with and present you with options to address the precise issue.

Yes. Recent studies show that up to 25% of patients that have successfully stopped snoring using laser therapy or an oral appliance still experience obstructive sleep apnea events. Follow-up testing and adjustments are needed to achieve long-term success and to decrease the health risks and excessive daytime sleepiness that often accompanies sleep apnea. At Jax Beaches Family Dentistry we will closely monitor your individual progress and circumstances and make adjustments as needed.

Some physicians say oral appliances for sleep apnea are effective for sleep apnea Decades ago, The American Academy of Sleep Medicine granted acceptance to oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea treatment, especially in cases where the CPAP machine is not well tolerated or regularly used. At Jax Beaches Family Dentistry we meet with you to determine if YOU can benefit from an oral device for sleep apnea. This consultation costs nothing and we will carefully walk you through all of your options.

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is not 100% effective–especially in those patients who have severe sleep apnea. We can discuss other options with you if you are in that very small group of patients.