Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start again many times during a single night’s rest. This disorder can prevent the body from getting enough oxygen. Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart attacks and diabetes.
If you are concerned that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, the best thing that you can do is seek treatment as soon as possible. Please, get in touch with us if you have any questions.
The Two Kinds of Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes your throat to close and block your airway during sleep, limiting or completely eliminating airflow. This is the most common form of sleep apnea.
- The less common form of sleep apnea, called central sleep apnea, is caused by improper communication between the brain and the muscles that control your breathing.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
The common symptoms of sleep apnea are: loud snoring, gasping or choking for air, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and feeling very tired during the day. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have a negative impact on your quality of life and productivity.
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Night Guards
Often referred to as a mouth guard, a night guard covers your teeth and fits into your mouth. For this sleep apnea treatment, our dentist will make you a special upper and lower mouth guard that will help you reposition your lower jaw at night. In turn, this enhances breathing during sleep by providing a larger airway. A modified mouth guard, custom-made for each patient, can usually help treat sleep apnea quite effectively.
Mouth guards can also be used to treat TMJ disorder.
Airway Therapy
A treatment option called airway therapy is an effective method of improving air flow and reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea. A couple of airway therapies are available, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oral appliance therapy.
- CPAP is a sleep therapy that utilizes a mask to provide gentle air pressure to maintain an open airway during sleep.
- Oral appliance therapy involves the use of a mouthpiece that prevents the obstruction of your airways.
There is evidence that airway therapy can improve sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue. As a comprehensive dental practice, we offer this treatment option to our patients struggling with sleep apnea.
We understand the importance of getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis. Sleep apnea can be effectively treated by the experienced dental professionals at SP Smile. Book your consultation today and settle into Dr. Susel Perez’s dental chair in no time! Our dental practice is exceptionally clean and cozy, with a team that is highly motivated to provide top-notch dental care to the Kendall West, Miami community.
