Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Feel drowsy throughout the day? Snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If so, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Since the time spent awake is so brief, most people don't remember it and believe they are getting a good night's sleep when they're not, resulting in a constant drowsy feeling during the day.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea:
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Loud snoring at night
• Waking up at night short of breath
• Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
• Headaches upon waking in the morning
• Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
• Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke when left untreated. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery.

Sleep apnea can be treated with oral devices — used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.

If you or someone in your family suffers from sleep apnea, contact our practice.

Snoring Prevention/Airway Evaluation

While snoring is a common problem for many people, it can also be a sign of other major health complications. It can not only affect the quality of sleep of the person snoring, but also the quality of sleep of their loved ones and other family members. Luckily, at Lake Park dental, we can treat chronic snoring.

• Causes of snoring may include:
• Decreased space in the airwaves
• Excess body weight
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain sleep aides or sedatives
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What is a Mandibular Advancement Device?

If you snore at night, then a mandibular advancement device (MAD) may represent a solution and a better night's sleep! The MAD is a specially designed dental device that gently helps keep the lower jaw, or mandible, in a forward position, increasing the space between the airway passage and helping you breathe better so you can get a full, quiet night's sleep.

To learn more about a mandibular advancement device, contact our practice and schedule an appointment and consultation.