Sleep Apnea Treatment
Do you ever wake up suddenly during the night gasping for air? Do you still feel exhausted and tired after a long night’s rest? Do you snore frequently or loudly? If so, you may be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for short periods of time while they are asleep. Each time this happens, the flow of oxygen to the brain and body abruptly stops. Oxygen levels fall while carbon dioxide levels begin to build in the bloodstream.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea has been linked to:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Muscle pain
- Heart attack/failure
- Fibromyalgia
- Fatigue
- Stroke
- Depression and anxiety
- Low concentration, and
- Daytime sleepiness, among other symptoms.
This condition can cause severe damage to the organs, cardiovascular system, and brain. Here at Lifetime Dental Health, our dedicated professionals are committed to helping our patients with their diagnosis, management, and treatment of this condition.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
There are several factors to keep in mind when assessing your risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. For example, most males over 40 are at an increased risk of developing this condition. Other risks include:
- Excess weight
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Smoking history
- Alcohol dependency, and
- The use of sedatives or tranquilizers to sleep.
If you feel you may be at risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea, call our office and schedule a consultation. Dr. Barry or Dr. Love will be able to discuss your risks and potential treatment options.
Oral Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are several types of mouth devices, such as oral advancement appliances, which are very effective in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. According to studies, these appliances can reduce the number of apnea episodes by 60%. These devices assist in keeping the air passage open at night, allowing patients to receive the oxygen they need during sleep.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are another treatment option for those with sleep apnea. However, we have found that many of our patients prefer to use oral advancement appliances instead.
Together, our team can develop a personalized treatment plan to suit your personal preferences and needs.
We Can Help You Manage Your OSA
Ignoring the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea can lead to serious health complications.If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, call our Columbus dental office at 614-451-2234.