How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when the throat muscles relax, blocking your airway. This can cause you to stop breathing for brief periods throughout the night, leading to poor sleep quality and a host of other health issues.
 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Ignoring it can have severe consequences for your overall health and well-being. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
 

Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
 

•        Excess weight and obesity: Extra weight, especially around the upper body, can narrow the airway and make it more likely to collapse during sleep.

•        Narrow airway: Some people are born with a naturally narrow throat or small jaw, which can obstruct airflow.

•        Nasal congestion: Chronic nasal congestion or a deviated septum can contribute to airway blockage.

•        Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: In children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids are a common cause of obstructive sleep apnea.
 

Understanding the underlying causes of your sleep apnea is an important first step in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
 

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The primary symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
 

·        Loud, chronic snoring

·        Gasping or choking sounds during sleep

·        Daytime fatigue and sleepiness

·        Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

·        Mood changes, such as irritability or depression

·        Headaches, especially in the morning

·        Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
 

The Importance of Seeking Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Treating sleep apnea is crucial for your overall health and well-being. Untreated sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your daily life, including:
 

·        Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to daytime fatigue and sleepiness

·        Reduced productivity and work performance

·        Strained personal relationships due to irritability and mood changes

·        Higher risk of developing serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
 

By seeking treatment for your sleep apnea, you can improve your sleep quality, reduce your risk of health complications, and enhance your overall quality of life.
 

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

In recent years, dental professionals have played an increasingly important role in the management of sleep apnea. Dentists can provide customized oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), that are specifically designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
 

These oral appliances work by holding your lower jaw in a forward position, which helps to keep your airway open during sleep. They are a popular alternative for patients who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy or prefer a more discreet and portable treatment option.
 

How Sleep Apnea Appliances Work

Sleep apnea appliances work by gently shifting your lower jaw (mandible) forward, which in turn pulls the tongue and soft tissues of the throat forward, keeping your airway open during sleep. This prevents the airway from collapsing and obstructing your breathing, effectively reducing or eliminating the episodes of apnea.
 

The appliances are custom-fitted to your mouth by a dentist, ensuring a comfortable and effective fit. They are designed to be worn during sleep, providing a convenient and discreet solution for managing your sleep apnea symptoms.
 

The Benefits of Using a Sleep Apnea Appliance

Utilizing a sleep apnea appliance provided by a dentist can offer several benefits, including:
 

•        Improved Sleep Quality: By keeping your airway open, these appliances can help you achieve better, more restful sleep, reducing the frequency and severity of sleep apnea episodes.

•        Reduced Daytime Fatigue: With improved sleep quality, you may experience less daytime drowsiness, improved concentration, and better overall energy levels.

•        Convenience and Portability: Oral appliances are smaller and more portable than CPAP machines, making them a more discreet and convenient option for managing your sleep apnea.

•        Better Tolerance: Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable and easier to use than CPAP therapy, leading to better long-term adherence and treatment success.

•        Reduced Risk of Health Complications: Effectively treating your sleep apnea with a dental appliance can help lower your risk of developing serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
 

Get Started with Above & Beyond Dental Today

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, but with the right treatment approach, you can effectively manage your symptoms and improve your overall health and quality of life. While traditional treatments like CPAP therapy and lifestyle changes can be effective, sleep apnea appliances provided by dentists offer a promising alternative for many patients.
 

If you're struggling with sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with Above & Beyond Dental to discuss the potential benefits of a custom-fitted sleep apnea appliance. Visit our office in Bedford, Texas, or call (817) 571-1667 to book an appointment today.