Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Treatment Dunnellon FL

Sleep ApneaAn Overview

Did you know that your dentist may be able to help you treat your sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a progressive condition that can affect a patients health and quality of life. Obstructive sleep apnea commonly goes undiagnosed and can result in multiple health complications. Understanding the signs and symptoms of the condition can help patients find treatment before secondary health conditions develop.

OSA is caused by the obstruction of the airway during sleep. The obstruction is typically caused by relaxed, soft tissues in the throat or mouth. When patients are unable to breathe properly, the body is deprived of oxygen flow. Patients commonly wake many times during the night gasping for air due to a cessation of normal breathing. Patients with sleep apnea experience interrupted sleep and may experience chronic fatigue.

Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose as many patients have no memory of waking while asleep. If you notice any changes in your sleep pattern or changes in your health, be sure to inform your dentist or doctor.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

If you notice that you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of sleep apnea, be sure to let your doctor or dentist know right away. Early diagnosis of sleep apnea helps reduce the risk of further complications.

Snoring loudly
Waking up gasping for air repeatedly
Chronic fatigue
Headaches
Trouble concentrating
Irritability

Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

While anyone could develop sleep apnea, there are specific demographics at a higher risk. If any of these risk factors apply to you, even if you show no other signs of sleep apnea, you may consider a sleep study to test for OSA.

Males (more likely than females)
Overweight
Patients over 40
Large neck circumference
Family history of sleep apnea

Health Conditions & Sleep Apnea

Left untreated sleep apnea can begin to deteriorate a patients health. Sleep apnea has been linked to a range of health conditions and patients with OSA are more likely to experience:

Heart attacks
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Depression
Stroke
Accident prone

sleep apnea signs and symptoms dunnellon fl dentist

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Sleep Apnea What to Expect

Dr. Carter Perkins works with local sleep specialists to diagnose sleep apnea. Patients will undergo a sleep study test to determine if they have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Once diagnosed, Dr. Perkins can fit patients with an oral sleep appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea.

An oral sleep appliance is similar to a sports mouth guard. Less cumbersome and more comfortable to wear than a traditional CPAP machine, many patients enjoy relief from the symptoms of sleep apnea with the nightly use of an oral sleep appliance.

Dr. Perkins uses digital imaging to create 3-D models of the teeth. These images are used to create a custom fit oral sleep appliance that will fit comfortably and snugly in the mouth. The device is small, discreet and worn only while the patient sleeps. The oral sleep appliance will be designed to reposition the jaw to prevent the airway from becoming blocked, allowing for a normal oxygen flow throughout the night.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

Could my headaches be a sign of sleep apnea?: Yes. Headaches are a common side effect of sleep apnea. Patients with OSA are deprived of proper oxygen flow throughout the night. This deprivation can cause headaches, especially first thing in the morning.
Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?: Treating sleep apnea could be potentially life-saving. Sleep apnea can have serious consequences on your health. Treating sleep apnea allows patients to breathe normally throughout the night so that their organs receive the proper oxygen flow, and they receive a good nights rest. Patients with sleep apnea commonly experience headaches, restlessness, trouble concentrating, and are at a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
Is an oral sleep appliance better than a CPAP machine?: Both the CPAP and an oral sleep appliance are designed to help patients with Sleep Apnea breath properly while they sleep. While the oral sleep appliance is more discreet, less cumbersome, and quieter than the CPAP, patients should choose the treatment that is right for their condition. Dr. Perkins will coordinate with your sleep specialist to help you determine which treatment options will best treat your sleep apnea.