Our Dentists Answer Your Sleep Apnea Questions
Do you often find yourself feeling tired, even after getting a full eight hours of sleep? Has your family complained about your snoring? You might be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
At Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, serving Bloomington, IL and Champaign, IL, we offer effective sleep apnea treatment. Our patients can find fast relief from bothersome sleep apnea symptoms, leading to more normal sleep patterns.
Has a dental or medical specialist recently suggested that you might have OSA? If so, then you probably have a range of unanswered questions about the condition. Here, our team will address some sleep apnea FAQs so you can better understand the condition and reclaim your life.
What Is OSA?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition that affects approximately 54 million American adults. When the muscles of the mouth and throat relax during sleep, the airway becomes blocked, or obstructed. This obstruction leads to decreased oxygen levels and disrupted sleep patterns.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of OSA?
There are several signs and symptoms of OSA, including:
- Snoring
- A choking sensation while sleeping
- Intermittent periods of no breathing
- Gasping for breath upon waking
- Irritability
- Brain fog and poor memory
- Excessive sleepiness during the day, even after eight hours of rest
- Headache or dry mouth upon waking
- Anxiety and depression
What Are the Risk Factors of OSA?
Sleep apnea is more common in men than women. Other risk factors of sleep apnea include:
- Excess weight
- A misaligned jaw or other facial structures
- Large tonsils
- High blood pressure
- Hypothyroidism
- Tobacco use and alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
- Family history
What Can I Do About OSA?
The first step in treating sleep apnea is for patients to undergo a sleep study. This study will measure, track, and analyze your sleep patterns. A specialist can use the results of your sleep study to diagnose and make treatment recommendations.
In general, patients with OSA have two treatment options:
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy
- Oral appliance therapy
What Is CPAP Therapy?
CPAP therapy uses a face mask and tubing to deliver a constant flow of air into the respiratory system. The constant air pressure keeps the airway open during sleep, preventing harmful occlusions and bothersome sleep apnea symptoms.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
An oral appliance is a personalized mouthguard that patients can comfortably wear while they sleep. The comfort, convenience, and effectiveness of oral appliances make them a popular choice among patients with OSA.
Which Is Right For Me?
Our team of dedicated dental professionals will help you determine which treatment method is best for you. Your budget, lifestyle, and case severity will ultimately steer you and our team to the most effective solution.
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation
Whether you’re ready to seek OSA treatment or you need more answers to other sleep apnea questions, the dedicated team at Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, serving Bloomington and Champaign, is here for you. Don’t delay - schedule an OSA consultation now by contacting us or calling us at (309) 663-6393.
