Treating Sleep Apnea in Peoria & Glendale & Peoria AZ
Do you snore? Do you wake up every morning feeling unrested, perhaps with a sore throat and a headache? Do you stumble through your day feeling fatigued and exhausted?
These are all signs of a serious condition called sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea stop breathing while they are sleeping, often hundreds of times in a single night. When the brain recognizes that oxygen levels are dropping, an emergency signal is sent out that causes the body to rouse itself in order to start breathing. This action causes the distinctive snoring and gasping that is the hallmark of sleep apnea.
It can be hard for your body with irregular starting and stopping breathing. Not only does the lack of sleep lead to loss of productivity in your day and the dangerous risk of falling asleep at the wheel, but it also increases your chances of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.
Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
A proper diagnosis of sleep apnea requires a sleep study performed at an accredited sleep center. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea or show any of the signs associated with the condition, please call our office or your general physician right away to get a referral for a sleep study.
Treating Sleep Apnea
One of the first-line treatments for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This therapy involves wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth, which is attached to a machine that pushes air through the mask and into your airway, helping to keep it open throughout the night. While this therapy is an effective treatment for sleep apnea, many people (nearly 50% of all sleep apnea patients) are unable to tolerate CPAP. Whether you find the mask uncomfortable, the machine too loud, or the entire setup too inconvenient, we have other solutions for you.
The Dental Approach to Sleep Apnea
Custom-made oral appliances are another effective way of treating sleep apnea. These appliances are worn at night while you sleep and work by repositioning your tongue and keeping your lower jaw slightly forward. These actions both help to keep your airway open while you are sleeping.
Your apparatus will suitably fit your mouth and your requirements. Not only will you sleep soundly and wake up refreshed after a great night’s sleep, but your partner will also appreciate the peace and quiet!
Call our office today to schedule your consultation. After discussing your symptoms with you and listening to your concerns, we will schedule a sleep study to thoroughly evaluate your condition. Once we have a good understanding of the severity of your condition, we can select the oral appliance that will fit your unique needs.