2. Dr. Christopher Lillo practices dentistry at Oak Ridge
Dental Group in Toms River, New Jersey. Dr. Christopher
Lillo offers a range of general dentistry services and treats
patients with sleep apnea.
Affecting more than 18 million Americans, sleep apnea
reduces the delivery of oxygen throughout the body,
causing a person to momentarily lose the ability to
breathe. As a result, he or she wakes up frequently
throughout their sleep, sometimes not even aware the
issue occurred. This leads to fatigue, insomnia, and
unrefreshed sleep.
Depending on the severity of the disorder, a dental
professional may suggest a a mandibular advancement
device, which resembles a mouth guard.
3. The device affixes to the upper and lower dental
arches and utilizes metal hinges to position the lower
jaw forward. The mandibular advancement device is
one of the most widely used devices for managing
sleep apnea.
However, the most successful tool for treating sleep
apnea is the continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP) machine. It comes equipped with a mask
that a patient places over his or her face while
sleeping. The machine emits air, which constantly
blows into the person’s airways when in use, keeping
their passages open. A person using the tool typically
experiences both better sleep and lower blood
pressure.