Why See a Sleep Dentist?
Dr. Lawson has dedicated a large part of her career to sleep apnea education and training and feels privileged to help patients of all ages achieve the restful sleep they deserve and need to function. Simply put, Dr. Lawson helps you achieve better sleep without surgery, narcotic medication, and costly treatments.
From monitoring for sleep apnea to using custom-fitted sleep appliances to gently realign your mouth and jaws, your body will get the steady flow of oxygen it needs to reach deep, restful slumber. If you feel you need sleep apnea treatment in Des Moines, Dr. Jessica Lawson at Lawson Dentistry is the sleep dentist who will restore your sleep and give you your life back.
Medical doctors treat a vast array of health issues, but sleep apnea treatment requires very specific training that many medical doctors simply are not able to focus on throughout their education. That’s why sleep dentists like Dr. Lawson are being sought out to help people who have suffered from sleep apnea for years if not decades.
What, Exactly, is Sleep Apnea?
While there are several types of sleep apnea, OSA—obstructive sleep apnea—is, by far, the most common and the one that Dr. Lawson treats in her practice every day. When the tissue in your airway becomes so relaxed that it actually obstructs your airway, not allowing air to flow smoothly, you will snore, choke, and gasp for air as you try to breathe. Snoring is simply the sound that we make when trying to force air through a blocked airway.
While many couples view snoring as just an annoyance and make jokes about kicking their spouse or partner to the couch, snoring is one of the most prevalent indicators of sleep apnea. If you snore, you likely have sleep apnea; if you have sleep apnea, you’re likely a snorer. Millions of people have sleep apnea, but most go undiagnosed and never seek treatment.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Des Moines
Any sleep dentist will tell you that CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) has been the gold standard for successful sleep apnea treatment for decades. However, CPAP is not for everyone, and it is difficult to tolerate as you have to wear a mask of sorts, be hooked up to wires that are connected to a loud machine, and expect to sleep while this machine keeps your airway open, allowing you to breathe restfully.
If CPAP isn’t your preferred option, rest assured that there are effective alternatives for treating sleep apnea in Des Moines. Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM), particularly through Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), is emerging as a comfortable, affordable, and effective treatment. Most individuals, regardless of age, medical history, or socioeconomic status, respond well to this approach.
The great thing about Oral Appliance Therapy is there’s so little maintenance; you can take your appliance anywhere you travel, there’s no medication involved, and no bulky breathing machines. Regardless of the severity of your sleep apnea, you can be custom-fitted for an oral orthotic that will change your life.
At-Home Sleep Studies Now Available
3. Placement: Afterward, our restorative dentist carefully prepares the surgical site and places the titanium post with accuracy and control. We also offer advanced sedation dentistry options to help you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.
4. Recovery: Healing typically takes 4 to 9 months, depending on your bone density. During this time, your jawbone gradually fuses with the implant through a process called osseointegration. Meanwhile, you will wear temporary restorations and return for routine visits to monitor your progress.
5. Fitting: Finally, your permanent dental crowns are securely placed for a stable, natural-looking result. Each restoration is designed for a precise fit and carefully matched in color to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Get Sleep Apnea Treatment in Des Moines
Get Sleep Apnea
Treatment in Des Moines
Aren’t you tired of feeling tired upon waking? Don’t you deserve “normal” sleep like the rest of the world? Please call Lawson Dentistry at (515) 278-4366 to schedule a sleep apnea evaluation with sleep dentist Dr. Jessica Lawson and her amazing team.