Sleep Apnea Specialist

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that interrupts your breathing for extended periods of time while you sleep. These periods of breathlessness last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur up to hundreds of times a night. 

Sleep apnea is most frequently caused by an obstructed airway. The throat muscles of those who suffer from sleep apnea sag or collapse while they’re sleeping, which prevents oxygen from properly circulating throughout their airway.

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder. When you stop breathing, your brain and body lose oxygen, which significantly affects your body’s proper functioning.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The most noticeable effects of sleep apnea are snoring and restless sleep. Other symptoms include: 

• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Decreased interest in sex
• Fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Memory impairment

Sufferers of sleep apnea frequently find themselves waking up gasping or choking for air.

What can sleep apnea lead to?

If left untreated, sleep apnea is very detrimental to your health. 

The oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea can lead to such short-term effects as:

• Higher levels of stress and anxiety
• Impaired memory
• Affected alertness
• Increased likelihood of occupational injuries and auto accidents

In the long term, sleep apnea can lead to:

• Stroke
• Obesity
• Mood disorders
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Arrhythmia
• Attention deficit disorder

Thankfully, there are treatments that reduce or even eliminate the effects of sleep apnea.

How do you treat sleep apnea?

There are many signs of sleep apnea that your dentist is trained to recognize, like an irritated throat or teeth that are worn down from grinding. If the dental professionals at K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group determine that you have sleep apnea, they’ll fit you with a mandibular advancement device (MAD).

A MAD is an orthodontic appliance that’s recommended as a sleep apnea treatment by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. It pushes your lower jaw slightly forward to increase the space in your airway passage. That prevents your tongue and throat muscles from collapsing in on themselves and obstructing your airway. 

Your MAD is made from an impression of your teeth, just like an orthodontic appliance or a mouthguard that you wear for sports, so it fits snugly and comfortably in your mouth. You’ll forget that you’re wearing it as soon as you fall asleep.

Don’t lose another night’s rest. Treat your sleep apnea today by scheduling a consultation with K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group. You can book your visit online or by phone.