Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Crown Point
Sleep apnea is on the rise in the United States, with more adults than ever reporting symptoms like chronic snoring, frequent waking throughout the night, and constant fatigue. As your trusted dentist, Dr. Danny Hayes provides treatment for sleep apnea in Crown Point. Keep reading to learn about sleep apnea, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment, then request an appointment to learn more about how oral appliance therapy can help you enjoy the comfort of a full night’s sleep once again.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes sufferers to stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the soft oral tissues collapse and block the proper flow of air during sleep. People who have OSA are very likely to be chronic snorers as well.
One of the most common causes of OSA is being overweight or obese. As rates of both rise in the United States, occurrences of OSA are increasing, too, even in children. Other factors that are linked to sleep apnea include:
- Certain medications (especially for depression, anxiety, or sleep)
- Narrow throat
- Deviated septum
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Alcohol (especially before bed)
- Diabetes
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
The warning signs of sleep apnea are similar to a number of other conditions, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. That means it’s likely to remain ignored or misdiagnosed for months or even years before an appropriate diagnosis is reached. Learning about the symptoms of sleep apnea can help ensure you receive an effective treatment ASAP.
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Frequent waking throughout the night
- Waking with a gasp or a choking sound
- Fatigue or irritability
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks
- Dry or sore throat upon waking
What Are the Health Effects of Sleep Apnea?
Left untreated, sleep apnea takes a toll on overall health. The impact can be especially significant on the cardiovascular system. When you remain in a constant shallow sleep state due to the frequent waking caused by OSA, your heart never really gets to rest and destress from the day. As a result, OSA has been linked to high blood pressure, heart attack, cardiovascular disease, and even sudden death.
What’s the Treatment for Sleep Apnea?
Treatment for sleep apnea has traditionally included a CPAP machine, or continuous positive airway pressure. This device keeps the airway clear by forcing air through the throat during sleep. Unfortunately, many patients do not find relief with this bulky, noisy treatment. Removable oral appliances offer an alternative.
An oral appliance is a small, portable device you wear during sleep. It works by repositioning the jaw to prevent its collapse and keep the airway clear throughout the night. Oral appliances calm snoring, increase oxygen to the brain, and help you sleep better. More severe cases of sleep apnea may require combined therapy with CPAP and a removable oral appliance.
Quality Sleep Dentistry in Crown Point
If you have recently received a diagnosis for sleep apnea, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at Advanced Dental Concepts. We can help you find relief in a full night’s sleep. Contact us today!