Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects both your health and quality of life. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, usually due to the collapse of soft tissues or the tongue rolling back into the throat. This results in frequent pauses in breathing, and in severe cases, complete cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, liver problems, and cognitive issues like impaired concentration and behavioral disorders.
Fortunately, sleep apnea treatment is available to help manage these symptoms and improve overall health. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and oral appliance therapy to more advanced methods such as CPAP machines or surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Shortness of breath upon waking
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Restless or disturbed sleep
- Depression, irritability, or mood swings
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping at night
Sleep Apnea Treatment
At Lockwood Family Dental, our dental team will evaluate your symptoms and discuss personalized treatment options for managing sleep apnea. For those with mild to moderate OSA, oral appliance therapy may be recommended. This involves a custom-fitted mouthpiece that helps keep your airway open during sleep. In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Contact us with questions about sleep apnea treatment today!