Sleep Apnea Treatment
Do you wake up feeling tired? Do you feel groggy during the day or have trouble concentrating? Both are signs that you aren't getting restful sleep, and the culprit may be sleep apnea.
At Eagle Dental Texas, we understand the importance of a good night's sleep in maintaining your whole-body health. If you struggle with sleep apnea or snoring, our non-invasive treatment may be the solution you need to rediscover restful sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder. It is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing while you sleep, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form. Apnea episodes occur when the muscles in your throat soften and relax, and your tongue falls back and partially or completely blocks your airway.
When your breath is blocked, oxygen levels fall, and your body forces you to awaken and breathe, resulting in loud gasps or snorting sounds. These interruptions can occur a few times an hour or, in extreme cases, up to 100 times per hour, leading to a situation where you may spend more time not breathing than breathing.
What Are Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
Some symptoms that indicate sleep apnea include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Frequent awakenings or restless sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Irritability, mood swings, or depression
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
If you regularly experience these symptoms, please contact us so we can see if sleep apnea is the problem. OSA doesn't just affect your sleep; it can significantly impact your overall health and wellness. Health risks of sleep apnea include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, Type 2 diabetes, and increased risk of drowsy-driving accidents.
Are Sleep Apnea and Snoring Related?
Loud snoring is often associated with sleep apnea because the partial airway obstruction causes vibrations in the throat tissues. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but it can strongly indicate the disorder.
Fortunately, sleep apnea treatment can help reduce snoring, so you and your sleep partner can enjoy a more restful night's sleep.
Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea, and some of the most common include:
- Being overweight
- A family history of sleep apnea
- Large neck size
- Nasal congestion or obstruction
- Alcohol or sedative use
- Smoking
- Certain medical conditions
How Does a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
CPAP masks are often recommended for moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, patients often struggle to use them consistently due to inconvenience or discomfort. This puts their health and wellness at risk, so we offer alternative treatment options.
Eagle Dental Texas is a holistic dental practice dedicated to helping you achieve whole-body health and wellness. Our sleep apnea dentists will work with your primary care doctor or a sleep physician to determine the extent of the disorder and the safest, most appropriate treatment.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
Our effective sleep apnea treatment is an FDA-approved mandibular advancement device (MAD). This custom-made oral appliance gently shifts your lower jaw forward to open your airway and minimize the likelihood of obstruction. MADs are an effective, non-invasive treatment option for mild to moderate sleep apnea and can also help stop snoring.
At Eagle Dental Texas, Your Sleep Health Matters
Restful sleep is integral to whole-body health and wellness. If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our Sugar Land, TX, dental office so we can help you enjoy a more restful and rejuvenating night's sleep.
