Excessive snoring and brief, intermittent awakening during the night may be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder. Convenient dental appliances offer an effective treatment and are available at Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta, located in Atlanta. Expert dentist, Danielle Greene, DDS, can evaluate your symptoms and create a custom-fit appliance to improve your sleep apnea symptoms. Call the office at (404) 758-0770 or request an appointment online to learn more about dental solutions for sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Q & A
What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your breathing is briefly interrupted during sleep. These pauses are usually caused when the tissue and muscles in the back of your throat fail to keep your airway open. Your body senses the lack of oxygen and awakens you for 10 seconds or more at a time, sometimes hundreds of times per night. You may not always be aware of these awakenings.
Why is sleep apnea a concern?
The sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can make you excessively sleepy and more susceptible to falling asleep on the job or while driving. You also consistently experience low blood oxygen levels, which can lead to health complications, including sexual dysfunction, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Loud, excessive snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. Other indications include:
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Awakening with a headache or dry mouth
- Episodes of awakening during the night, often observed by your sleep partner
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability and attention or focus problems
If you have these symptoms or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, come see Dr. Greene as she can help ease your symptoms so you get a good night’s sleep.
What are the dental solutions for sleep apnea?
Often a treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure device. This is a machine that includes a mask to fit over your nose and mouth to blow air into your airway and keep it open. CPAP machines are often noisy, uncomfortable, and cumbersome.
Dental solutions are simpler, more comfortable, and portable. At Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta, Dr. Greene will fit you for a custom device that you wear in your mouth as you sleep. Usually, these open your throat by bringing your jaw forward.
You may need to try several different appliances before you find the one that fits. Dr. Greene follows up with you regularly until you find just the right option for you.
To learn about dental solutions to sleep apnea, call Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta at (404) 758-0770 or request an appointment using the online tool.