Dr. Eric Wiitala of Scottsdale, AZ is a dedicated dental professional who helps patients in his community achieve healthy smiles. However, many patients may also not be aware that he can assist with other conditions, including a common sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that can impact one’s ability to get a good night’s rest. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage of the airways that obstructs the throat and causes patients to stop breathing—often several hundred times a night. This condition keeps patients from reaching those deep, restorative levels of sleep they need to feel well-rested when they awake. It can cause patients to experience problems such as:
• Daytime fatigue
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Chronic headaches and migraines
• Poor memory
• Poor concentration
To be diagnosed with this condition, many patients need to undergo a sleep study. Sleep studies may be performed or recommended by a primary care physician who may suspect the patient is dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. Once patients have gotten a diagnosis, their primary doctor may encourage the use of a CPAP machine. CPAP machines are special devices that use a mask to keep the airways open while patients sleep. Unfortunately, these devices can be uncomfortable and cause patients to fail in the treatment of their conditions. Instead, dentists such as Dr. Eric Wiitala are pleased to offer an alternative known as oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment alternative to a traditional CPAP machine. It is the use of a special fitted mouthguard that works to keep the airways open and allow patients to breathe continuously during the night. It is simple to use, comfortable, and often improves compliance in most of our patients who have decided to ditch the CPAP machine for good!
Learn about obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions that can be addressed with a dental professional
Dr. Eric Wiitala and his team at Scottsdale, AZ provide patients with a selection of solutions, including oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. We welcome patients in the community to visit the practice at 9755 North 90th Street, Suite #B250 and call for an appointment at (480) 657-6981.