Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a severe sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. People who suffer from this condition often experience daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Moreover, if left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to more severe health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Fortunately, effective treatments for sleep apnea in South Ogden are available, including dental treatment. Here is how we can help with sleep apnea treatment.
Don’t let sleep apnea disrupt your life any longer; let South Weber Dental provide you with the treatment and support you need for better sleep quality.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when your breathing stops or becomes shallow during sleep. This condition disrupts your sleep cycle, causing you to wake up frequently throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, blocking the airway. Central sleep apnea happens when your brain does not signal your muscles to breathe, while complex sleep apnea combines both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Other symptoms include:
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Irritability and mood swings
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult our team for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The Role of Dentists in Sleep Apnea Treatment
What does dentistry have to do with sleep apnea? Well, Dr. Russell can play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. He can identify the signs of sleep apnea and can work with you and your doctor to develop an effective treatment plan.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliances are custom-made devices that fit over your teeth like a sports mouthguard. These appliances help keep your airway open by holding your jaw in a forward position, preventing the muscles in your throat from collapsing and blocking your airway. There are different types of oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs). We can recommend an excellent option for you based on your specific needs.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Alternatives
A CPAP machine is a standard treatment for sleep apnea, but many patients find it uncomfortable and difficult to use. In such cases, oral appliances can be an alternative to CPAP therapy. They are more compact and portable, making them easier to travel with. Moreover, they do not require electricity, making them more convenient for camping or other outdoor activities. We can help you determine if an oral appliance is a suitable alternative for your CPAP machine.
Education and Support
We understand that sleep apnea treatment goes beyond just providing a device. We also offer education and support to help our patients manage their condition effectively. Our team can educate you on proper oral hygiene practices to prevent any oral health issues that may be worsened by sleep apnea. We also provide ongoing support to ensure that your treatment is successful, and your condition does not worsen.
Sleep Apnea in South Ogden
Sleep apnea is a severe condition that should be addressed promptly. If left untreated, it can lead to severe health complications. South Weber Dental offers practical and convenient treatment options for sleep apnea. Our team also provides education and support to help our patients manage their conditions effectively.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Russell today to learn how we can help. A good night’s rest is essential for your overall health and well-being, and we can help you achieve it.
We are here for all your dentistry needs. We offer comprehensive, quality dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and clear aligners, in South Ogden, Utah.
