Sleep Apnea Solutions at Elite Dentistry of Georgia

Did you know that sleep apnea affects more than just your energy levels? While most people recognize that sleep apnea causes fatigue and increases risks for serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia/Alzheimer's, digestive disorders, decreased libido/erectile dysfunction, anxiety/depression, headaches, and tinnitus—many don't realize it can significantly impact your oral health as well.

When breathing becomes restricted during sleep, your brain instinctively pulls you out of deep, restorative sleep into a lighter sleep phase. Though still asleep, your body regains enough muscle tone to subconsciously push your tongue forward (away from your airway) and against your teeth, followed by teeth clenching or grinding. This combination of tongue pressure and teeth grinding, especially with bacteria present, accelerates tooth shifting, bone loss, gum recession, tooth damage, and eventually tooth loss.

At Elite Dentistry of Georgia, we're committed to your complete health—both oral and overall. We thoroughly screen all patients to determine if compromised nighttime breathing might be contributing to their dental and general health concerns.

Tired of Feeling Exhausted Despite a Full Night's Sleep?

Many individuals wake up feeling completely drained despite believing they've had adequate sleep. This could indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a potentially serious condition estimated to go undiagnosed in approximately 17 million Americans.

Traditional OSA treatment involves Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, but roughly half of prescribed patients abandon their devices due to discomfort from bulky masks and straps. Fortunately, Elite Dentistry of Georgia offers patients suffering from OSA comfortable alternatives through custom oral appliances and gentle laser therapy.

OSA occurs when throat tissues relax during sleep, blocking the airway and causing breathing interruptions that can last a minute or longer. These episodes can happen hundreds of times nightly without the person's awareness—with potentially severe health consequences. Over time, untreated OSA can lead to liver problems, digestive issues, thyroid dysfunction, hypertension, chronic headaches, heart failure, and mental health concerns including depression and anxiety.

Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms

  • Loud Snoring
  • Persistent Daytime Fatigue
  • Waking up Breathless
  • Morning Headaches
  • Earaches
  • Neck discomfort
  • Scalloped tongue edges (indicating nighttime tongue pressure against teeth to clear the airway)

Schedule Your Consultation Today

At Elite Dentistry of Georgia, we utilize advanced 3D CT scanning technology along with comprehensive oral examinations and patient consultations to identify potential OSA. If sleep apnea is suspected, we collaborate with medical doctors to arrange a sleep study for official diagnosis.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from sleep apnea, Elite Dentistry of Georgia can help provide effective treatment options. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our Gainesville office today. Our practice serves Gainesville and surrounding areas in Georgia.