Ask the Doctor

Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Snoring can be an incredibly frustrating problem, not just for the friends and family members who are wakened and annoyed by it… but also for the person who snores. While snoring is sometimes nothing more than an irritating social problem, it can also be the sign of a more serious issue.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the patient stops breathing for 10 or more seconds while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a form of sleep apnea that involves a lack of adequate oxygen, which causes the brain to signal the body to wake up and take a breath. Often times, the patient merely slides into a lighter stage of sleep at this point, but occasionally patients wake fully. This disorder not only prevents patients from receiving a good night’s sleep, but it can also lead to poor concentration, memory loss, and drowsiness.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring Therapy from Your Liberty Dentist

Sleap Apnea and Snore Guard Consent Form

If you or a loved one suffer from sleep OSAS, Dr. Dixson can help with non-surgical sleep apnea and snoring therapy. There are mouthpieces we can recommend, called TAP or EMA appliances, that very effectively reposition the tongue or mandible (lower jaw) allowing you to breathe more freely.

Learn more about the TAP appliances.

Learn more about the EMA appliance.

Liberty Park Dental provides friendly, comprehensive family dentistry services to patients in Liberty and the surrounding areas of northern Kansas City, Kearney, Smithville, and Platte City. Some of our patients even travel quite a distance just to come see us! Give us a call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dixson today. Welcome to the family!