Month: January 2022

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’re not alone. Between 2% and 5% of women and between 3% and 7% of men have this condition, adding up to an estimated 22 million Americans. The numbers may be even higher than this since approximately 80% of people with sleep apnea don’t even know they have it.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. However, there are other options available and these are worth considering. The Vivos System in particular is a revolutionary new option for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Here are a few reasons to consider an alternative to CPAP:

1. CPAP Machines Are Loud

CPAP machines make a lot of noise, and this can make it difficult to sleep for you and for anyone who shares the room with you. Since sleep apnea affects sleep quality, one of the major effects is fatigue. It seems counterintuitive that a treatment for this condition would potentially make that fatigue even more by making it harder to get enough sleep.

2. The Mask Can Be Uncomfortable

Many patients find the mask for using a CPAP machine uncomfortable. Again, this can make it more difficult to get asleep and stay asleep. This can sometimes be resolved by changing the sizing of the mask, but not always.

3. You May Experience Irritation in Your Eyes and Airways

The mask for a CPAP machine tends to leak some air. It blows this toward your eyes, which can result in dry eyes and irritation. Additionally, the pressure from the machine can cause dry airways, including your nose and mouth. These issues often linger into the daytime. While there are some solutions that can offer relief, these issues can still be frustrating for patients.

4. Compliance for CPAP is Low

Due to the issues above, many patients don’t use CPAP consistently. If this is the case, you will still be suffering from the side effects of sleep apnea with no relief.

5. CPAP Doesn’t Fix Sleep Apnea

While CPAP is effective in treating sleep apnea, it doesn’t address the root cause of the issue. You need to keep using CPAP consistently to get relief from symptoms, and if you stop, the problem will return.

An Alternative to CPAP for Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you are looking for an alternative to using a CPAP machine, consider the Vivos System. This is a custom-made oral appliance that addresses the issues that cause sleep apnea. This innovative system can treat mild-to-moderate OSA. In most cases, patients need no further intervention after they have completed treatment.

Vivos Dentist in Oro Valley

Dr. Atty Smith is a Vivos-approved dentist in Oro Valley, AZ. She works in collaboration with Vivos doctors to help address sleep apnea.

To learn more about how we can help treat your OSA without a CPAP machine, contact us today.

Dental bone loss can have serious consequences for your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Bone loss in the jaw is more common than you may expect and cannot be reversed without extensive bone grafting treatment. As a result, it’s important to understand why dental bone loss occurs and take the necessary steps to prevent it.

Effects of Bone Loss

Bone loss can cause your teeth to shift. This can result in a crooked smile and/or crowding. Nearby teeth may also become looser and eventually fall out. This leaves you vulnerable to infections and disease. Advanced bone loss can also change the shape of your face, and will often make you look older prematurely.

Cause – Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the most common cause of dental bone loss. This condition is very prevalent, with a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that 47.2% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. Earlier stages, such as gingivitis, do not cause bone loss, but they can progress quickly if left untreated.

Preventing Bone Loss from Gum Disease

It’s important to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist. This way, you will know early on if you are showing signs of early gum disease and can get treatment right away. Depending on the stage of the disease, this may involve scaling and root planing to clean out the area under the gums.

Cause – Tooth Loss

When you lose a tooth or have the tooth extracted, the root is no longer placing pressure on your jaw when you eat. Over time, this results in resorption of the bone. After only the first year, patients typically lose 25% of the bone, and this only rises from there.

Preventing Bone Loss After Tooth Loss

A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. The implant puts pressure on your jaw and prevents resorption of the bone. Using an implant topped with a crown is the best way to prevent bone loss after losing a tooth while also restoring the appearance of your smile.

If you have lost most of your teeth, implant dentures are a great option and protect the health of your jaw compared to traditional dentures, which can sometimes accelerate bone loss.

Restorative Dental Care in Oro Valley, AZ

At Smith Dentalworks, we can help restore the appearance of your smile after losing a tooth. We partner with a trusted oral surgeon with dental implant placement, which helps prevent bone loss while also giving you a beautiful new smile. We craft restorations that match the surrounding teeth, look great, and preserve your oral health.

To learn more about our restorative dental treatment options, contact us today.