How to Deal with Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that involves nightly interruptions in the breathing. While the short-term effects of sleep apnea focus on the regular sleep disruption, serious and potentially fatal complications can occur during the long-term effects due to the fatigue and de-oxygenation associated with the disorder. While CPAP therapy was once the most common treatment for this disorder, modern patients have access to comfortable and effective dental treatments, also.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors and Causes
Sleep apnea is most common in overweight men, but it can occur in either gender and at any age. Oversized tonsils, lax airway tissues and a large neck size are also established risk factors. The use of smoking and alcohol are both known to exacerbate symptoms in those with the disorder.
Modern Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Dental treatments can improve sleep quality and are used for snore therapy for sleep apnea sufferers. For many patients, oral appliances are useful in keeping the airways open at night. These appliances work by keeping the jaw and tongue from collapsing backwards and blocking air flow. Soft tissue surgery is becoming more popular, also. This surgery involves removing excess tissue from the back of the throat to prevent airway collapse at night.
Patients who suspect that they may suffer from sleep apnea should schedule a sleep study for a diagnosis right away. Snoring is one common sign of sleep apnea, but other symptoms include daytime fatigue, audible breathing pauses during sleep and breathlessness upon waking. When this disorder is present, treatment should be sought without delay to restore your full quality of life and to reduce serious health risks. Patients can schedule a consultation with our dentist to learn more about the latest treatment options for sleep apnea.