Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Improve Sleep and Mood
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that can lead to poor quality of sleep, low energy levels, and stress. Fortunately, Dearborn Family dentistry offers effective sleep apnea treatment at our Dearborn, MI, dental practice. You will be provided with a sleep apnea questionnaire that will enable us to better determine how to treat your condition. We can provide an oral appliance, bite splints and other forms of treatment that improve symptoms and can result in better sleep, higher levels of energy, and an improved quality of life.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Overview
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the mouth and throat obstruct the airway. As a result, the brain and lungs do not receive sufficient oxygen. This can cause sufferers to awaken hundreds of times throughout the night. The awakenings are so brief that patients rarely remember them. As a result, many attribute their fatigue to other factors. Most patients with OSA are very tired upon waking in the morning, even when they receive eight or more hours of sleep.
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA can result from a variety of factors relating to lifestyle and heredity. These include obesity, smoking, a relatively short lower jaw, a narrow airway, or having a large tongue, neck, or tonsils. Dr. Mohanad Ballani will conduct a careful assessment of your medical history, lifestyle, and physical characteristics to determine the cause of your sleep apnea, and to recommend a treatment plan. We will also ask you to complete a questionnaire that provides insight regarding other potential contributing factors.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms
The most common symptom of OSA is loud snoring. Other symptoms include:
- Choking or gasping noises while sleeping
- Daytime fatigue
- Headaches in the morning
- Forgetfulness
- Trouble focusing
- Irritability
- Decreased libido
It is important to address OSA symptoms in order to maintain a healthy day-to-day lifestyle and avoid increasing your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease.
Who is at Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
You may be at risk for sleep apnea if you:
- Are middle aged
- Are overweight
- Have a large neck size
- Are male
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Have a family history of OSA
Treatment Options
We recommend treatment based on your lifestyle, anatomy, and other factors. For instance, if you are overweight, we may recommend a healthier diet and exercise routine. If you smoke, we highly encourage you to break the habit. However, if hereditary factors are found to cause your OSA, we may recommend a custom bite splint. These devices are designed to comfortably reposition the lower jaw in a way that prevents soft tissues from blocking the airway as you sleep.
Contact Us Today
It is important to address OSA symptoms in order to maintain a healthy day-to-day lifestyle and avoid increasing your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease. Our OSA treatments are effective, and our doctors can determine which treatment is right for you during a consultation. Contact us today to begin achieving better sleep.
