Dental Services in Mesquite, TX

General Dentistry

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Does snoring keep you from getting a good night's sleep? Besides interrupting your rest, snoring can indicate a more serious condition, sleep apnea. Dr. McKnight may be able to improve your situation with a custom oral splint.

With sleep apnea, a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more, sometimes hundreds of times a night. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs because of a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses while a person sleeps. Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to weight gain, memory problems, high blood pressure or other cardiovascular disease, and headaches.

If you snore or think you may have obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. McKnight will interview you to understand your condition before recommending conservative treatment. He may suggest a TAP appliance, an adjustable, custom oral device that you'll wear while sleeping. The TAP appliance keeps the lower jaw forward to prevent the tongue and soft tissue in the throat from blocking the airway. Other nightguards may prove effective, as well. Many patients who have not had success with a bulky CPAP mask have found relief with an oral appliance.

Enjoy the smile of your dreams. Call our Mesquite dental office and schedule an appointment with Dr. McKnight to discuss the benefits of a TAP appliance for sleep apnea or snoring relief. Located in Mesquite, we welcome residents from Dallas, Rockwall, and the surrounding areas.