Rest Easier with Downers Grove Sleep Apnea Therapy
Do you regularly find yourself struggling to stay awake in early work meetings, even though you went to bed on time the night before? Is your family complaining about your loud snoring at breakfast more often than not? These may seem like minor annoyances, but they can actually be symptoms of a much more serious health condition – sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
There are multiple types of sleep apnea, but the one that dentists are capable of treating is known as OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea. This type of disorder is caused by a partial or full blockage of the airway during rest, which dangerously restricts oxygen levels. As a result, the brain will send out an emergency signal that wakes the patient up so that they can start breathing properly again. While this interruption may only last a few seconds and not even be remembered in the morning, it can happen several times a night. As a result, important deep sleep is fractured.
In addition to chronic snoring and excessive morning fatigue, here are some other symptoms of sleep apnea that patients should be aware of:
- Frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the night
- Chronic sore throat in the mornings
- Chronic headaches in the mornings
- Problems with memory and/or concentration
- Occasionally waking up with a snort or gasp
If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, please see a physician or sleep specialist as soon as possible in order to receive a proper diagnosis. If you are determined to be suffering from mild to moderate OSA, our dental office would be happy to assist you with treatment.
How Does a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
Traditionally, sleep apnea is treated with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, which forces air down the patient’s throat at a consistent pace throughout the night with a nasal/facial mask. While this type of treatment is highly effective, a majority of patients are likely to not use their CPAP on a regular basis because of the noise and discomfort involved. That’s where oral appliance therapy comes in.
Sleep apnea oral appliances are designed by our dentists to be an ideal fit for each patient’s unique mouth. This device will comfortably reposition the jaw and/or tongue in a way that successfully prevents airway collapse. Patients will be able to sleep peacefully throughout the night and wake up feeling rejuvenated!