What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Have you ever heard of sleep apnea? This sleeping disorder has recently become a talking point in the medical and dental communities, and for good reason. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that is marked by interruptions and pauses in breathing while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the tongue rolls back into the throat or the tissues in the airway collapse while sleeping, causing obstructions in the airway.
The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Your Health
One of the reasons sleep apnea has become such a concern is that when left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure and liver problems, and many other serious medical conditions. Sleep apnea also affects your memory and your ability to concentrate. Sleep apnea is a condition that must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. We recommend speaking with your physician and our dentists if you are suffering from sleep apnea symptoms. Common sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Extreme daytime drowsiness
- Changes in personality, including irritability
- Difficulty staying asleep throughout the night
- Snoring
- Waking up with a dry, sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia
- Choking or gasping souonds and sensations while asleep
- Feeling out of breath when waking
- Memory impairment and difficulty focusing
- Depression, irritability and moon changes
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Your sleep apnea treatment will depend greatly on the severity of your condition. Mild to moderate sleep apnea typically only requires wearing a custom-made oral appliance that fits over your teeth and keeps your airway open while you sleep. This oral appliance works by holding your jaw in a slightly forward position, preventing the soft tissues from collapsing or the tongue from rollin back and allowing you to breathe easily while you sleep. A more severe case of sleep apnea may require more extensive or invasive treatment to resolve.
During your appointment with Dr. Don Walley, we will discuss your needs and determine if an oral appliance will be right to treat your condition. Schedule your sleep apnea treatment in Counce, Tennessee, and surrounding areas, including Savannah and Adamsville, Tennessee, and Corinth and Iuka, Mississippi, by calling Pickwick Family Dental Care at 731-689-3627. Our dentists and team are committed to helping you improve your overall oral health.
