Sleep apnea prevents you from getting the restful sleep you need each night. If you have been diagnosed with this sleep disorder, our experienced dentists can provide a custom sleep appliance to relieve snoring and apnea episodes. To schedule a consultation, please call our dentistry practice in Rochester, NY, at 585-227-4390.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
About 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. This sleep disorder causes full or partial blockage of the airway dozens of times throughout the night, possibly hundreds of times. It's impossible to get a full night's rest when experiencing sleep apnea episodes. It also increases your risk for an array of serious health complications.
Episodes of sleep apnea occur when the tongue and throat tissues relax and droop into the airway. The airway is partially or fully obstructed, which cuts off oxygen until you wake up. Your waking may be so subtle that you don't even realize your sleep is being disturbed multiple times throughout the night.
Signs And Symptoms
You may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping sounds during sleep
- Excessive daytime drowsiness
- Frequent headaches upon waking
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Waking during the night because of breathlessness
If you have sleep apnea, you most likely will not experience all of these symptoms, but you may experience one or more. It's also important to note that snoring does not automatically mean you have sleep apnea: Many people snore and not all of them suffer from this sleep disorder; however, most people who do have sleep apnea will snore.
A sleep test provided by a physician, or an at-home sleep test, are the only ways to diagnose sleep apnea. If you are concerned you or a loved one is experiencing this disorder, you should consult your physician.
Oftentimes a family member or someone else in the home notices excessive snoring, gasping or other symptoms. If you have sleep apnea, you may not even realize it. Excessive fatigue during the day, nodding off behind the wheel, and difficulty concentrating at work are all things you should discuss with your doctor. Sleep apnea can be treated using advanced technology, and doing so will help you avoid serious health risks.
Risks Of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Risks of not treating sleep apnea include an increased risk for:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Falling asleep at the wheel
Treatment is essential so that you can get a restful night's sleep and lower your risk of these health problems.
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Our dentists provide a customized sleep appliance to people who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. You may have also heard these referred to as a snoring device or a mandibular advancing splint. Our dentists use the MicrO2®. The MicrO2® works by holding the lower jaw forward, thereby maintaining an open, clear airway while you wear it.
The MicrO2® is precisely customized to your teeth and mouth during an appointment at our office. This device is easy to use, comfortable, and completely biocompatible. Snoring will be reduced and you will be able to breathe easy throughout the night.
Schedule Your Consultation
The first step to finding relief is scheduling a consult with our experienced, caring dentists. To arrange your appointment, please call the Rochester, NY, dental practice of Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal at 585-227-4390.
