Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes interrupted airflow during sleep. Untreated, sleep apnea can become serious. Those who experience sleep apnea are more likely to experience hypertension, heart disease, headaches, and memory problems. Drowsy driving is another effect of sleep apnea that can be potentially very dangerous. As it is a sleep disorder, you may not be able to recognize the symptoms or provide any kind of diagnosis on your own. However, you may still notice the effects of sleep apnea, and your partner may be able to help you recognize some of the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Treatments
Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, pauses in breathing, insomnia, and gasping sounds. A sleep apnea diagnosis is completed through an in-lab sleep study. Sometimes, even a nightly sleep diary is used to help track your sleep and symptoms you may experience. To treat the cause of sleep apnea, you may visit a prosthodontist who can build an oral appliance for your mouth to open up your airways during sleep. An oral appliance can be designed multiple ways, and some reposition your jaw and tongue and help keep your throat open. This sleep apnea treatment is an alternative to CPAP and other airway pressure devices that may be harder to use.
Prosthodontists in Bethlehem, PA
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, give us a call. Our team of professionals at Advanced Prosthodontists can create customized oral appliances for you so you can experience uninterrupted sleep. Prosthodontists have specialization in oral restoration treatments, and cosmetic dentistry experience in creating dental implants, crowns, and dentures. An oral appliance for sleep apnea isn’t much different in terms of building the piece itself. Schedule a consultation with us, or give us a call at (610) 865-4222 today to see how we can help you!