Are you looking for relief for the uncomfortable symptoms of sleep apnea? Dr. Jesse Friedman in Boulder, CO offers non-invasive, custom-fitted oral appliances for patients who suffer from sleep apnea and its side effects!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Ongoing disrupted breathing causes an imbalance between the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the bloodstream, as insufficient carbon dioxide is exiting the body while insufficient oxygen is entering.
Sensing this imbalance, the brain sends a message to the body to wake up and restart the breathing process. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea will partially wake up as they struggle to breathe, which is often accompanied by loud snoring or choking sensations. Because people with sleep apnea don’t always completely awake during the episodes, they are often unaware they have a sleeping disorder and it can remain undiagnosed.
There are two main types of sleep apnea disorder: central sleep apnea which occurs when the brain fails to send important signals to the breathing muscles, and obstructive sleep apnea which occurs when air cannot flow through the nose or mouth even though the body is still trying to breathe. Obstructive sleep apnea is far more prevalent and easily treatable by the dentist.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
The common signs of obstructive sleep apnea can include severe early morning headaches, sleepiness in the daytime, and insomnia.
Patients who suffer from sleep apnea also complain of the following:
- Heavy Snoring
- Periodic Loss Of Breath While Sleeping
- Struggling To Breathe While Sleeping
- Constant Fatigue
- Lack Of Energy
- Weight Gain
- Depression
- Dry Throat
- Irritability & Mood Swings
Fortunately, we are equipped with the necessary technology and expertise to treat sleep apnea in several different ways.
Why Should I Seek Sleep Apnea Treatment?
If you have sleep apnea or suspect you may have this condition, it is very important to seek medical attention. Sleep apnea sufferers can completely stop breathing numerous times per hour, which can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
Because sleep apnea causes carbon dioxide levels to skyrocket in the blood and oxygen levels to decrease, the heart has to pump harder and faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Sleep apnea has been linked to a series of serious heart-related conditions, and should be investigated by your dentist at the earliest opportunity.
How Does Sleep Apnea Treatment Work?
When you begin sleep apnea treatment at Boulder Smile Design, our dentist will want to conduct tests in order to investigate, diagnose, and pinpoint a suitable treatment for you. Our dentist can offer many different treatment options which depend largely on the exact diagnosis and the health of the patient. The dentist may advise the patient to halt some habits that aggravate sleep apnea such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Sleeping masks were traditionally used to keep the patient’s airways open while they slept, but modern dentistry now offers less intrusive options. Dental devices that gently tease the lower jaw forward are very effective in preventing the tongue from blocking the main air passage. These dental devices are gentle, easy to wear, and often help our patients avoid unwanted surgeries.
At Boulder Smile Design, we craft oral appliances that are designed to help open airways during sleep. Generally, patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea prefer oral appliances to bulky CPAP machines. For any sleep apnea treatment you require, our team will partner with you to deliver the relief you need!
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation with Boulder Smile Design
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, you deserve treatment right away! Call our office today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation today.