Roanoke Dentist Helps You Breathe Easier so You Can Get The Rest You Need
If you have sleep apnea, you know that getting a solid rest is difficult and can impact more than just your mood when you get in up in the morning. At our modern dental office, we can help you get back into a routine of satisfying sleep so you can get on with your day.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that affects approximately 1 in 6 people and as many as 50% of those over age 50. It greatly increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is the most common form of sleep apnea. OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, allowing the soft tissue there to completely block the airway. This blockage cuts off the oxygen supply to the body and brain. The airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person. This repeating cycle- falling asleep, muscles relax, airway blocked, unconsciously awakening with a gasp – is the reason there is never a restful night of sleep. This puts extra stress on the entire body, especially the heart.
What are Some the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Patients are often made aware of breathing problems by their spouse. Snoring, shallow breathing, interrupted breathing, or gurgling noises are often accompanied by sleep apnea. People feel irritated in the morning like they can’t get caught up on their sleep, headaches, not able to fall asleep, and more.
Some people choke in their sleep, whistle, or make grunting noises. Snoring could be more than just an annoying sound you or your partner makes while sleeping. It can be a sign that something is wrong. If left untreated, sleep apnea can be dangerous. As we age, our risk of developing sleep apnea increases. What’s more, sleep apnea can lead to heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Oral Appliance Therapy is a highly effective, medically proven treatment option for the majority of patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliances treat sleep apnea without the need for surgery, a machine, and mask-like a CPAP or medication. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances as an excellent treatment option for people with snoring, mild to moderate sleep apnea, and even patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy or are not candidates for surgery. Oral appliances are small devices that are worn over the teeth, much like an athletic mouthguard. The appliance gently holds the lower jaw slightly forward, opening your airway to improve nighttime breathing. Oral appliances eliminate the need for uncomfortable headgear, masks, and hoses. They do not limit your sleep position and make no noise.
Is Sleep Apnea Treatment Right for You?
If you have questions or concerns about your sleep apnea or if you are not sure if you have sleep apnea, contact our dental office today to make a consultation appointment. Our friendly and knowledgeable dentists in Roanoke and staff are happy to talk to you about how we might help you overcome your frustration with a lack of sleep, and we’ll show you how you can improve your breathing and, as a result, your overall health.
Non-urgent inquiries only. Please call or text if you require immediate attention.