Millions of men and women nationwide suffer from sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition that can impact your health and quality of life. Unfortunately, many patients are unaware of their sleep disorder, which, left untreated, can lead to serious health complications. Coleman Advanced Dentistry is pleased to offer a variety of advanced sleep apnea solutions to improve your sleep and enhance your health and quality of life.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that is usually characterized by snoring and choking or gasping for air during sleep. Many people may not realize they have sleep apnea until it is identified by a loved one or diagnosed with the help of a sleep study. Previously, sleep studies were only performed in labs. Today, we can test you in the comfort of your bed with the watermark sleep study device and have a physician diagnose your condition.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type of sleep apnea, occurs due to the soft tissues and muscles in the back of the throat relaxing and obstructing the airways, leading to breathing pauses that can last 10 seconds or more. People with OSA often stop breathing hundreds of times throughout the night. Drops in blood oxygen levels during these breathing cessations can lead to many serious health risks, including depression, sudden cardiac arrest, hypertension, stroke, and even death.Â
Due to a lack of awareness about the disorder and treatment methods that some find uncomfortable or inconvenient, many people remain untreated. Today, there are a variety of new and advanced treatments available from our experienced dentists that can help you enjoy restful sleep, enhancing your health and quality of life.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
In addition to loud snoring and gasping for air during sleep, people with sleep apnea may experience the following symptoms:
- Grinding teeth during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Morning headaches
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Stress
- Memory loss
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Difficulty focusing on a task
- Unexplained weight gain
- Daytime sleepiness, even after getting several hours of sleep
Who Is at Risk for Developing Sleep Apnea?
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, regardless of age or gender. People at a higher risk of OSA include those with a large tongue, small lower jaw, receding chin, large neck circumference, and enlarged or over-relaxed soft tissues in the mouth that obstruct the upper airway. Additional risk factors include family history, advancing age, being male, and obesity. The only way to diagnose OSA is by undergoing a sleep study, which monitors and interprets your sleeping patterns.
What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?
There are a variety of risks associated with leaving sleep apnea untreated, including the following:
- Sudden cardiac death
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Acid reflux
- Stroke
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Obesity
- Sexual dysfunction
- Increased risk of workplace accidents
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
The most common form of treatment is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. The problem is that CPAP therapy can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and intrusive, so many patients find it challenging to comply with this treatment method. Another suggested treatment method is surgery, but some patients may not be candidates for surgery.
The good news is our dentists at Coleman Advanced Dentistry can provide you with an alternative treatment method that is easier to use, more comfortable, and helps you to enjoy a more pleasant sleep experience. Our preferred treatment method is the Blue Dorsal sleep appliance, one of the most popular choices among dentists for snoring and OSA treatment.
The Blue Dorsal Sleep Appliance – An Overview
The Blue Dorsal sleep appliance is a custom-made oral appliance that looks and feels like an orthodontic retainer or mouthguard. It is designed to help the jaw to open and close naturally and prevent obstruction of the airways, allowing patients to breathe normally and reduce snoring or breathing pauses during sleep. This treatment method is often more comfortable than a CPAP machine and less invasive than surgical treatment. The Blue Dorsal sleep appliance has helped numerous sleep apnea patients obtain more peaceful and rejuvenating sleep.
A Dentist’s Role in Treating Sleep Apnea
If you want to find out if you have sleep apnea and would like to learn more about our cutting-edge treatment options, the first step is scheduling a consultation. We will have a sleep study conducted in the comfort of your home, in your own bed. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, we will discuss your treatment options.
Sleep Apnea Online Risk Assessment
If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, visit the link below for a quick and easy online assessment by Coleman Advanced Dentistry/DSM Solutions to determine if you are at risk for the sleep disorder.
Online Sleep Apnea Risk Assessment
Please note: This is just an online assessment. A sleep study is the only way to accurately diagnose sleep apnea. If you need more information, please contact our office. Our dentists are happy to provide you with a free consultation and home sleep study.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment Near Me in Vista, CA
If you are interested in learning more about our sleep apnea solutions, talk to our team at Coleman Advanced Dentistry today. If indicated, we will recommend a sleep study to diagnose your condition. Our sleep apnea oral appliance therapy will restore your restful, rejuvenating sleep. Contact our office to schedule your appointment today!
