Sleep Apnea Treatment:
Improve Sleep and Overall Health
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
At our practice in San Antonio, TX, we offer sleep apnea treatment. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common of several types of sleep apnea disorders. When the muscles and tissue in your throat relax during sleep, your breathing may be interrupted briefly, then restart with a snoring or choking sound.
When the relaxation of this tissue becomes excessive, the tissue blocks your airway, interfering with normal breathing as you sleep. When breathing stops, carbon dioxide builds up, and blood oxygen levels drop. Your brain sends signals to wake you briefly, so your body can correct the problem. This happens so quickly, you may not remember waking.
The pattern of obstructive sleep apnea keeps you from entering the deep stages of sleep necessary for restfulness and recharging. Except for tiredness during the day, you may not be aware you didn’t sleep well.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
You may feel sleepy during the day and have trouble focusing or concentrating. You may wake with a headache, dry mouth, sore throat, or even all three. Your partner may complain of loud snoring and may notice that your breathing stops and starts. You may become irritable or suffer periods of depression.
Your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea is higher if you:
- History of Snoring
- Carry excess weight, including fat stores in the upper airway
- Have naturally narrow airways
- Have chronic nasal congestion
- Smoke
- Have diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure
- Are male
- Have a family history of sleep apnea
How can a dentist help with sleep apnea?
The first step is a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea by a medical doctor, preferably one who focuses in sleep disorders. There are several ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea, including methods that won't involve River City Dental Solutions, including constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices or throat surgery.
Oral appliances that pull the lower jaw slightly forward are a comfortable solution for many apnea sufferers, and these are fitted by Dr. Perry. Statistically, it's been shown that there has been very low compliance with CPAP therapy, however, our custom-fitted oral appliance may be the ideal solution for you.
