For most of us, breathing is second nature; whether awake or asleep, we don’t have to worry about getting enough air. However, those with obstructive sleep apnea—a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep due to a partially or completely closed-off airway — often struggle to get the rest they need. 

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has long been the standard treatment for sleep apnea, but it’s not suitable or comfortable for all patients. That’s where alternative solutions like the SomnoMed Avant mandibular advancement device (MAD) come in. 

At Leavitt Dentistry, we understand the importance of restful, restorative sleep and are committed to providing innovative solutions to help you breathe easier. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the SomnoMed Avant and other mandibular advancement devices can manage sleep apnea, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep without the need for a CPAP device.

Understanding Sleep Apnea and CPAP Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or become blocked, resulting in shallow breaths or pauses in breathing. Central sleep apnea is the less common form of this condition, occurring when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Both forms of sleep apnea disrupt the normal sleep cycle and reduce oxygen levels in the body. Symptoms include snoring, gasping for air during sleep, dry mouth, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty paying attention during the day. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other serious complications.

Many individuals turn to CPAP therapy to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. This therapy involves a mask worn over the nose and mouth that delivers a continuous stream of air, keeping the airway open and preventing interruptions in breathing. While it’s effective for some patients, many find this treatment uncomfortable, causing dry mouth, nasal congestion, and mask-related discomfort. 

The SomnoMed Avant Mandibular Advancement Device

An increasing number of patients with sleep apnea are turning to alternative treatment options such as the SonmoMed Avant MAD. This innovative device resembles a mouthguard, with splints on the upper and lower teeth. The addition of a flexible strap holds your jaw in the proper position during sleep, keeping the airway open and preventing the collapse of soft tissues in the throat that leads to obstructions.

Creating the SomnoMed Avant involves a collaboration between dental professionals and engineers. The process starts at our office, where we will take a special digital scan of your teeth and send it to the manufacturer. 

Using this information, SomnoMed will design an oral appliance specifically tailored to the shape of your teeth and jaws, build it using computer-controlled milling robots, and test it using a 3D-printed model of your teeth. Finally, SomnoMed ships the completed appliance to our office, where we check the fit, adjust the jaw position, show you how to use it, and start your sleep apnea treatment.

Benefits of Using a MAD

Opting for a mandibular advancement device like the SomnoMed Avant rather than a CPAP device comes with many advantages, including:

Comfort and Customization

The SomnoMed Avant was developed with patient comfort in mind. The custom-fit design is made to fit the unique contours of your mouth, ensuring a secure fit, optimal comfort, and maximized effectiveness. It also allows you to say goodbye to the irritation and discomfort often associated with CPAP masks. 

Enhanced Compliance, Portability, and Convenience

We have found that many patients find it easier to adhere to sleep apnea treatment with the SomnoMed Avant compared to CPAP therapy. The user-friendly device’s streamlined design makes it a more convenient and practical solution. Unlike cumbersome CPAP machines, which require electricity, MAD devices are compact and portable, making them ideal for use both at home and on the go.

Better Sleep Quality

Our team at Leavitt Dentistry will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. By effectively treating sleep apnea with a MAD device, we can help you experience more restful and rejuvenating sleep. Our patients often report feeling more refreshed and energized, leading to improved overall well-being.

Transform Your Sleep With a MAD From Leavitt Dentistry

If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, Leavitt Dentistry can help you find the solutions you need to finally achieve the good night’s sleep you deserve. We can send you home with a screening device to use in your own home while you sleep, providing a summary of your condition, which tells us if you are a candidate for MAD therapy vs. traditional obstructive sleep apnea therapy.

We are proud to offer the SomnoMed Avant device, which provides unparalleled comfort and effectiveness. If you’re ready to take control of your sleep and live a brighter, more energized life, contact Leavitt Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.

Achieving a beautiful smile isn’t just about enhancing your appearance; it also boosts your confidence and improves your overall quality of life. When you’re missing a tooth, your smile is impacted, and so is your oral health. Fortunately, dental implants are an innovative solution to revitalize your smile and restore your confidence.

At Leavitt Dentistry, we are experts in the transformative power of dental implants. As part of our commitment to providing outstanding dental services to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, we offer revolutionary dental implants that look and feel just like your natural teeth. In this blog post, we’ll explore how dental implants can complete your smile and improve your oral health.

Single-Tooth Dental Implants

If you’re missing a single tooth,  a dental implant is an ideal solution for you. This advanced form of dental technology involves a titanium implant tooth root replacement, surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as a sturdy foundation for a custom-made crown. Unlike traditional bridges, which require modifications to the adjacent teeth, single-tooth dental implants preserve the integrity of the surrounding teeth and stimulate the underlying bone, preventing deterioration.

We recommend single-tooth implants for patients who are missing a tooth due to decay, injury, congenital defects, or any other reason. These implants offer a strong, permanent, natural-looking replacement that integrates seamlessly with your existing teeth, and they feel just like a tooth that you never lost.  

Implant Bridges

When multiple adjacent teeth are missing, a dental implant bridge is a great way to restore both functionality and aesthetics. Dental bridges consist of a group of artificial teeth supported by either dental implants or can also be made to be supported by natural teeth adjacent to the gap. 

At Leavitt Dentistry, we recommend anchoring a bridge to dental implants rather than neighboring teeth, as this method preserves the integrity of surrounding teeth and minimizes the risk of future breakdown or need for replacement. Plus, the titanium implants stimulate the jawbone, protecting you from future bone deterioration in the area of the missing tooth.

Implant-supported dental bridges are a great option for individuals who are missing several consecutive teeth. They are known for their stability and durability, restoring your ability to bite and chew comfortably while enhancing the appearance of your smile. 

Locator-Supported Dentures

Traditional dentures are prone to slipping, sliding, and shifting, which can cause discomfort and insecurity. Locator-supported dentures offer a reliable solution by anchoring dentures to dental implants. This secure attachment enhances stability, allowing you to eat, smile, and speak with confidence while still offering the convenient removability of traditional dentures.

In the realm of locator-supported dentures, there are different options available to fit your individual needs. Opting for two locators restores 50 to 60 percent of function (your ability to eat and speak), while four locators restores 70 to 80 percent of function. 

Dentures supported with locators are beneficial for patients who wear traditional dentures and are seeking improved comfort and stability. Whether you’re missing several teeth or a full arch, this transformative solution provides a secure and natural-feeling fit, enhancing your quality of life.

Hybrid Dentures

Hybrid dentures are the best possible solution for those missing an entire arch of teeth, restoring 90 to 95 percent of function. Rather than removing your appliance at night or relying on messy creams and adhesives, hybrid dentures are a fixed restoration. The ceramic arch has a strong base and is supported by four to six dental implants, providing unparalleled functionality and stability. 

While hybrid dentures can be removed by a dentist for maintenance if necessary, they are fixed in place so the patient never removes them. With hybrid dentures, you can eat what you want and go to sleep without removing your dentures. Plus, unlike traditional dentures, they don’t cover the palette with acrylic, providing the ability to better taste your food and a natural look and feel.

Transform Your Smile With Dental Implants From Leavitt Dentistry

At Leavitt Dentistry, we specialize in restoring smiles with precision, care, and attention to detail. We only use the best implant brands on the market, and we have invested in the very best equipment to ensure great outcomes. Unfortunately, this is becoming more uncommon in dentistry, as many brands are copying the high-end brands and providing an inferior result. Our team of highly skilled dental professionals is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs and goals. From single-tooth implants to full-mouth restorations, our comprehensive range of dental implant options has the power to restore your smile and enhance your oral health.

Don’t let tooth loss slow you down or affect your smile! Reclaim your confidence with dental implants from Leavitt Dentistry. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or an entire arch, we have a dental implant solution to suit your unique needs. Trust in the excellence and expertise of Dr. Leavitt and his team to guide you on your journey to a revitalized smile. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward a better version of yourself.

In an age when anyone can easily share anything they want on the internet, regardless of whether it’s true or not, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of misinformation out there regarding sedation dentistry. 

At Leavitt Dentistry, we want our patients to have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their oral health. That’s why we’re setting the record straight and evaluating whether there’s truth behind some of the most common myths surrounding sedation dentistry. 

Myth #1: There’s Only One Type of Dental Sedation

For many years, nitrous oxide was the primary method of dental sedation in most offices, but today, there are many different options ranging from gentle relaxation to deeper sedation. At Leavitt Dentistry, we offer oral sedation, IV sedation, and nitrous oxide. Dr. Leavitt can even perform procedures in r surgery centers under general anesthesia.

To determine which type of dental sedation is best for you, Dr. Leavitt will take into account your unique needs, medical history, and any concerns. Our team is committed to providing personalized sedation dentistry solutions to ensure each of our patients is comfortable in our office.

Myth #2: Nitrous Oxide is Only for Children

While nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is commonly used to keep children calm and relaxed during dental visits, they are not the only patients who can benefit from this mild form of sedation. Inhaling this sweet-smelling gas slows down your nervous system, inducing a sense of relaxation and reducing anxiety. Unlike IV sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll remain alert while under the effects of nitrous oxide. At Leavitt Dentistry, we recommend nitrous oxide for anyone who experiences a non-severe level of dental anxiety, whether a child or an adult. 

Myth #3: Sedation is Only for Complex Procedures

Although it’s often used for oral surgery, sedation dentistry isn’t just for complex procedures. Whether you’re having your wisdom teeth removed or needing a routine dental hygiene visit, sedation is always an option for you at Leavitt Dentistry. We are committed to making dental care accessible to everyone, including those with severe dental anxiety, children, and individuals with disabilities. This commitment is evident in our wide range of sedation options, ensuring all of our patients can get the care they need while remaining comfortable and relaxed.

Myth #4: Sedation Dentistry is Dangerous

While there’s some level of risk involved with any procedure, sedation dentistry is highly safe with minimal risk of complications. When sedation is administered by a highly trained and experienced dentist like Dr. Leavitt, you don’t need to be worried about encountering any issues. As one of the few IV sedation-certified dentists in the Pocatello area, Dr. Leavitt is well-known for providing safe, effective care. He has treated thousands of IV sedation patients over the past 20-plus years, helping many patients to receive care that would have otherwise been very difficult or impossible for them. 

Not all patients are good candidates for all types of sedation. Certain medical conditions may disqualify you from some options. We are committed to providing the best sedation dentistry solutions without compromising your safety. To avoid unnecessary risks, Dr. Leavitt will perform a comprehensive review of your medical history before approving you for sedation.

Myth #5: Redheads Need More Anesthesia

You may have heard that natural redheads require more anesthesia than people with other hair colors. Unlike the rest of the myths on this list, this one seems to be true! Although scientists are not sure exactly what the connection is between hair color and anesthesia tolerance, studies have shown that redheads need about 20 percent more anesthesia to be sedated, along with a higher dose of local anesthetics like lidocaine 

If you’re worried about the effectiveness of sedation dentistry or anesthesia, whether you’re a redhead or not, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with our team. Your comfort is our top priority, and we’d be happy to adjust the dosage of our oral sedation, IV sedation, or nitrous oxide to ensure your visit is free from pain and stress.

Sedation Dentistry in Pocatello, ID

Don’t let anxiety or misinformation surrounding sedation dentistry keep you from getting the dental care you need. If you have any questions or concerns about sedation dentistry, feel free to speak with one of the expert team members at Leavitt Dentistry. 

We believe that everyone should be able to achieve excellent oral health, which is why we do everything we can to remove barriers that prevent individuals from obtaining the happy, healthy smiles they deserve. We are known for our dedication to comfortable, accessible, and affordable dental care, and we aim to provide each of our patients with outstanding service. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.