Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person frequently stops and starts breathing while asleep. Not only does the disorder cause fatigue due to sleep deprivation, but it can also have other potentially serious consequences. If someone has symptoms of this ailment, treatment should be sought.
There are three main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive is the most common, and it happens because the muscles in the throat relax. With central apnea, the brain does not signal to the breathing muscles properly. Complex syndrome is a combination of the other two types.
The symptoms for all types of sleep apnea are similar:
People who experience these symptoms also potentially have additional complications. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, metabolic syndrome, and complications with surgery and medications.
Along with symptoms and observations by someone living with the person with sleep issues, there are a couple of diagnostic tests that can detect sleep apnea. Nocturnal polysomnography consists of hooking up equipment to measure breathing patterns, brain activity, blood oxygen levels, and leg and arm movements while the patient sleeps. There is also a home sleep test to monitor the body.
If there are abnormal test results, different treatment methods may be recommended. For mild cases, simple lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight, may be sufficient.
People with moderate to severe sleep apnea often benefit from wearing a mask hooked to a machine that provides air pressure while sleeping. The continuous positive airway pressure machine is the most common. It keeps the airway passages open, preventing a stop in breathing. If someone struggles using a CPAP machine, there is auto-CPAP, which adjusts the pressure automatically, and the bilevel positive airway pressure, which provides more pressure on inhale and less on exhale.
Easier to use than a CPAP, there are numerous oral devices that can keep the throat open while sleeping. A dentist can help a person find the right one and make sure it fits properly.
An ASV machine is another airflow device. A built-in computer tracks a person’s normal breathing pattern and then uses pressure to normalize the pattern while sleeping. This method tends to work better than CPAP for those with complex sleep apnea, although it is not a good choice for those with predominant central sleep apnea.
If other treatment methods do not fix the problem, surgery may be an option. Some common procedures include tissue removal, tissue shrinkage, implants, jaw repositioning, and nerve stimulation. Tracheostomy is a more invasive procedure that is recommended for those with life-threatening sleep apnea.
If someone is always tired and suspects sleep apnea, seeking professional help is recommended. A variety of treatments are available to help a person breathe better and easier throughout the night.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryforwoodstock.com or call Dentistry for Woodstock at (770) 238-1437 for an appointment in our Woodstock office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Woodstock, GA.
Seeking treatment for sleep apnea is important for your general health. Your general dentist can detect signs of this sleep disorder during a comprehensive dental exam. The sleep doctor can work with your dentist to correct the problem. Here are the details about when to see a dentist for sleep apnea.This sleep disorder makes a…
Snoring is not the only sign of sleep apnea. It is a significant sleep condition that may have a negative impact on your health and quality of life in a short amount of time. Aside from feeling tired and drowsy throughout the day, untreated sleep apnea makes you vulnerable to different major health problems, including…
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition in which your breathing starts and stops repeatedly during sleep. It is fairly common and fortunately, it is also treatable. If you think you are dealing with sleep apnea, it is important to obtain a diagnosis and get treatment so you can avoid severe side effects of the…
Dental sleep medicine has existed for over three decades. It started as a complement to other treatments (CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure) for sleep apnea and snoring. Although there are continuous improvements to CPAP as a treatment for sleep breathing disorders, oral appliance therapy and snoring mouthguards have recently been approved as the foremost…
A kid-friendly dentist can reduce the level of nervousness a child experiences while they are receiving dental care. They can also educate children in a manner that they understand and help them to create healthy habits that can carry well into their teenage and adult years.It is helpful to understand the differences between a kid-friendly…
Finding a reputable kid-friendly dentist for children is important. Parents can ensure they find the right dentist by planning properly and following useful tips such as considering references, scheduling a consultation, and understanding what oral care needs exist.The experience that children have with dentists can have a lasting impact. To minimize the risk of a…