Airway Health in Albuquerque, NM

As a dental patient in Albuquerque, NM, it is essential to understand the significance of your airway health. Your airway health can affect your overall health, and it is necessary to keep it in check! From diagnosing and treating sleep apnea to providing oral myofunctional therapy, our team at Essenmacher Family Dental can help you ensure your airway health is in good shape and help you feel your best.

Contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation with our team.

The Importance of Airway Health

Most patients understand that good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth healthy. Likewise, your airway health is essential to maintain your dental and overall health. Poor airway health can lead to problems such as sleep apnea, which increases the risk for heart disease, hypertension, and other serious health problems. By keeping your airways clear and healthy, you can enjoy better overall health and reduce the risk for illnesses.

Airway Health Services Offered

Airway health services can help to improve your breathing and overall oral health. Here at our clinic, we offer various services to help improve your airway health, including a tailored treatment plan for your specific health needs.

Oral Myofunctional Therapy

Did you know that the health of your teeth and mouth can be affected by how you use your tongue, lips, and jaw? Oral myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a type of therapy that can help improve the function of these muscles. OMT can help to correct problems such as poor oral posture, swallowing difficulties, and speech impediments. OMT may be right for you if you have any of these issues or just want to improve your overall oral health.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a surgical treatment to remove the frenulum. The frenulum is a thin band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A frenectomy may be necessary if the frenulum is too tight and restricts movement of the tongue. Frenectomies are generally safe and effective procedures, but they can cause minor discomfort after surgery.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Do you snore? Do you always feel tired during the day, no matter how much you sleep? You may have obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes people to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. Left untreated, it can lead to even more severe health problems such as high blood pressure, mood disorders, and weight gain.

Fortunately, there are several ways we can treat obstructive sleep apnea, such as with oral appliances and continuous positive airway pressure machines (CPAP machines). This allows patients to receive a constant flow of oxygen and keeps their airways open to give them a better night’s sleep.

Airway Health FAQs

How can a patient determine if they have sleep apnea?

Have you ever suffered from a lack of energy, been excessively tired, or had problems staying asleep? You could be one of the estimated 22 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea. Unfortunately, many people are unaware they have sleep apnea and go undiagnosed. If you think you may be suffering from sleep disorders, you can ask for an at-home sleep study.

Are frenectomies only performed on children?

A frenectomy can be performed on children and adults in our dental office. They are typically conducted if the frenulum is causing pain or obstructing your speech or ability to eat and swallow.

How long is OMT needed for patients who require treatment?

In general, treatment can be completed anywhere from 4 to 12 months. However, the treatment time will vary from patient to patient and depend on several factors.

What treatment options are available to patients with sleep apnea?

Several sleep apnea treatments are available to patients with this severe sleep disorder, including lifestyle changes, oral appliance therapy, CPAP therapy, and oral surgery. Our dental team will be able to walk through all of our available treatment options with you so that we can find the best choice for you.

Contact Us

If you have trouble breathing or suffer from disordered sleeping, please contact our dental practice in Albuquerque, NM, for an appointment. We can help improve your airway health and quality of life with a customized treatment plan. Sleep apnea is not something you should take lightly and should be treated as soon as possible.

Give our office a call, and we will be happy to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified dentists.