Sleep apnea is a common condition. Unfortunately, many people who have it remain undiagnosed. It occurs when your breathing stops periodically during sleep. Every time you stop breathing in your sleep, the lack of oxygen sends a signal to your brain and causes you to temporarily wake up and restart breathing properly. At Downtown Dental, we help patients with sleep apnea treat their condition and lead higher quality lives.
Types of Sleep Apnea
The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. It’s usually the result of a physical blockage or the soft tissue collapsing in the back of the threat. Another less common form of sleep apnea is known as central sleep apnea or CSA. It’s when breathing stops because the muscles lack proper signal from the brain. Some people have a mixture of OSA and CSA.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Since the time you spend awake is so quick, you may not remember it. Furthermore, you may believe you’re getting a good night’s sleep when that’s not the case. That’s why it’s crucial to look for the most common signs of sleep apnea which include:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Pauses in breathing throughout the night
- An ongoing daytime drowsy feeling
- Headaches when you wake up in the morning
- Falling asleep during the day without intention
- Issues with medications or medical treatments
- Memory impairments
- Heartburn, chest pain, and other acid reflux symptoms
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
If you think you may have sleep apnea, visit our office so that our dentist can evaluate your situation and diagnose you properly. Depending on your situation, we may be able to treat your condition with an oral appliance or mouthguard.
Oral appliances support your jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway, effectively putting an end to snoring and sleep apnea. They are very comfortable to wear and have been proven to treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Since your mouth is unique, you can expect us to take impressions of your teeth and provide you with a custom appliance. Compared to traditional CPAP machines, oral appliances are easier to use and maintain, easier to transport, and easier to wear.
They are an excellent alternative to bulky, uncomfortable CPAP machines and have led to life changing results for many people. In addition to an oral appliance, we might recommend lifestyle changes. We may ask you to lose weight, quit smoking, or sleep on your side instead of your back.
Once you treat sleep apnea or snoring, you’ll feel like a different person. Your symptoms will improve significantly and leave you with a much higher quality of life. You’ll have more energy during the day and be a more productive, happier person. Most importantly, however, sleep apnea treatment can reduce your risk for serious health complications such as depression, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Lake Norman, NC dentists at Davidson & Burr always urge potential patients to address any health complications before they become more severe.
Schedule an Appointment at Downtown Dental
For more information on sleep apnea treatment or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact Downtown Dental today. Call 919-897-7646. We look forward to hearing from you!
