Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by the cessation of breathing during sleep. The brain sends signals to wake up the patient and restart breathing. These pauses can happen up to hundreds of times every single night.
At Hammons Family Dental, we provide education and treatment for sleep apnea. We want to help you find a successful solution so that you can experience restful sleep.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Are you or a loved one suffering from sleep apnea? Some of the symptoms of this sleeping disorder include:
- Snoring
- Insomnia
- Nighttime awakenings
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Poor concentration and memory
- Anxiety or irritability
- Headaches
- Sore throat
Even patients who do not notice insomnia or nighttime awakenings may be suffering from sleep apnea. These awakenings are so brief that sleep apnea patients often do not remember them in the morning.
If you suspect you or your loved one has sleep apnea, contact our office today. We know that this disorder is keeping you from getting the sleep that you need to have a better quality of life.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three types of sleep apnea.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): The brain does not send a signal to the muscles to breathe.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The brain works correctly, but the muscles are unsuccessful in breathing because the airway is obstructed somehow.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both CSA and OSA.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. Loose tissues in the throat, a tongue falling back, or excess weight can cause an obstruction in the airway. We can treat OSA with noninvasive oral appliances.
Testing and Treatment
It is important to seek sleep apnea treatment to avoid long-term health risks such as depression, heart disease, and diabetes. Sleep and oxygen deprivation are serious complications that should be addressed by a professional.
Dr. Hammons can help you look for the signs of sleep apnea. He will provide a correct diagnosis. If sleep apnea is the problem, we will likely recommend an oral appliance.
Oral appliance therapy is less invasive and bulky than the standard CPAP treatment. An oral appliance is custom-fit to your mouth and worn when you sleep to keep your airway free and clear. Oral appliance therapy is:
- Highly effective in treating sleep apnea with proper compliance
- Comfortable
- Convenient and portable
We invite you to contact us today to schedule a sleep apnea evaluation or treatment consultation.
