Are you suffering from sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Fortunately, treatment is possible.
At Dentistry By Design, we offer options that can help you overcome sleep apnea symptoms and get back to living a healthy life. Read on to learn more about sleep apnea, the symptoms of the condition, and what our Midwest City, OK team can do to help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during the rest cycle. The condition leaves patients waking up over and over throughout the night due to an oxygen deficiency. It is very common for the sufferers to abruptly wake up gasping for air, then fall back to sleep for the event to repeat itself. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and even death.
There are three different types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed.
- Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the condition and is caused by obstruction of the airway.
- Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to control breathing.
- Mixed sleep apnea occurs when an individual has both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring, morning headaches, and excessive daytime fatigue. Many additional symptoms stem from the overall lack of sleep and include difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, irritability, depression, poor judgment, and personality changes. However, these are very general signs, and it is important to seek a proper diagnosis from your physician during a sleep study.
Diagnosis Of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed through a sleep study, which is typically conducted in a sleep lab. During the test, medical professionals measure your oxygen levels, breathing patterns, heart rate, and brain waves while you sleep. After the test is complete, your doctor will discuss the next steps and treatment options with you. One of the most widely used sleep apnea treatments is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device helps keep your airways open and provides a steady stream of air while you sleep.
CPAP is effective, but it can be invasive and uncomfortable for many patients. That’s why our team at Dentistry By Design offers an alternative solution: oral appliance therapy.
Oral Appliance Therapy
At Dentistry By Design, we offer appliances to treat the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. These appliances are worn during sleep and bring the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway for easier breathing. Because obstructive sleep apnea is caused by tissues in the mouth and throat blocking airflow, this gentle repositioning of the lower jaw can help alleviate the symptoms by supporting the tissues and preventing them from collapsing into the airway.
Our appliances can be adjusted to fit the patient’s jaw structure for maximum comfort and effectiveness. During an examination, we will take molds of your teeth and jaw in order to create a personalized mouthpiece that fits you.
If you believe you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact Dentistry By Design today to learn more about our sleep apnea treatment. We are here to help you get a good night’s sleep and get back to living your best life!
