Rochester, MI dentist offers treatment for sleep apnea that is effective, hassle-free

The dentist’s office may not seem like the obvious place to treat chronic snoring and sleep apnea. However, it makes sense to seek out a dentist for treatment of these and other forms of sleep-disordered breathing when you consider the source of these common conditions. That being said, the level of experience and tools that are available to treat these conditions varies considerably from dentist to dentist. If you’re searching for such a doctor “near me”, look no further, as your dentists for sleep apnea in Rochester MI, Drs John Aurelia and Dina Khoury are accustomed to spotting the tell-tale signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and are well-versed in designing custom oral appliances that reposition the tissues responsible for disordered breathing.

Dentistry for your overall health and quality of life

Sleep apnea occurs as the tissues at the back of the throat become so relaxed, when the patient is at rest, that they block the airway. The body recognizes it can’t breathe, and patients often awaken with a snort or gasp dozens of times each hour during sleep. It’s no wonder, then, that so many apneic patients never seem to feel rested, regardless of the number of hours they spend in bed.

Snoring often accompanies sleep apnea. It can also be secondary to several other conditions that cause airway blockage. The resulting snore occurs as air is forced through the narrowed passageway. Airflow problems can be due to anatomical features, such as a long palate and uvula at the back of the mouth, bulky throat tissue, or poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue. Additionally, it requires greater effort for patients to move air through partly-blocked nasal passages, which results in the characteristic harsh, hoarse sound of snoring. In turn, some patients only snore periodically, during allergy season, or when their sinuses are infected.

Whilst occasional snoring isn’t a cause for concern, chronic or habitual snoring can be indicative of serious conditions, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It can also take a toll on the snorer’s relationships with loved ones who suffer from sleeplessness due to the nightly noise.

Dentists like Drs Aurelia and Khoury are adept at not only treating the teeth and gums, but they also have extensive knowledge of the surrounding, interconnected oral structures. With this knowledge in hand, they may determine you are an excellent candidate for oral appliance therapy. There are many different types of oral appliances that are designed to reposition the jaw and tongue. In doing so, bulky or lax tissues are also repositioned. So, they can’t block the airway when you’re sleeping.

Oral appliance therapy may be suitable for patients who have failed to comply with cumbersome CPAP therapy. While effective, the CPAP machine that delivers air to the patient can be too noisy and uncomfortable for patients and their partners to bear during sleep. Alternately, oral appliances customized at the office of John L. Aurelia, DDS, PLLC are:

• Discreet, slip them in your mouth like a retainer or mouthguard
• Portable, no bulky machine to travel with you
• Easy to clean
• Effective to reduce snoring and other symptoms of OSA, such as headaches, night sweats, and dry mouth

Poor sleep quality increases your risk of accidents on the road or at the job. Conditions such as OSA are also associated with a range of serious medical conditions, from heart disease to diabetes. In consultation with you, your dentist in Rochester, MI looks forward to helping you regain your healthy, active, productive, and fulfilling life. Call (248) 243-6044 to schedule your appointment with Drs Aurelia or Khoury.

Dr. John Aurelia | Dr. Dina Khoury
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Experience dentistry with a difference at the office of John L. Aurelia, DDS. With our friendly staff and warm atmosphere, we ensure that your comfort and wellbeing take priority.

Dr. John L. Aurelia received his BA degrees in Biology, Business and Economics from the Kalamazoo College, MI and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy. He’s keen on continuous education and has followed courses in cosmetic dentistry, implants, and occlusion at places like the Dawson Academy for Advanced Continuing Dental Education and Pankey Institute. He’s a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, and American and Michigan Dental Associations. He has participated in many humanitarian missions.

Having graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Dr. Dina Khoury served Veterans during her residency at the VA Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. She has been in private practice for two decades and is passionate about cosmetic dentistry.