Sleep apnea is a condition to take very seriously because it can lead to other major health consequences. We provide effective treatment in Alpharetta, GA for many cases of sleep apnea to help you improve your health.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is defined as a condition that causes you to experience frequent and recurring shortness of breath while sleeping. It can be caused by the individual’s throat becoming overly relaxed while sleeping which blocks the airways and prevents normal breathing. This is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea.
Signs of sleep apnea include poor sleeping habits, frequent sore throats, recurring headaches, and a general inability to get a restful night sleep.
We’re concerned about the overall health of our patients, including their sleep health. Many people suffer needlessly from dangerous sleep disruptive disorders that keep them from getting enough oxygen at night. The risk of a heart attack is 23 times more likely than average with a sleep disorder, and 92% of stroke victims live unknowingly with this condition before an attack. Our training allows us to offer you education and treatment surrounding sleep health in the simplest and most cost-effective way possible.
Types Of Sleep Apnea
Many patients book an appointment with our dentist due to the following features:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This is the most common form of sleep apnea and is caused by a person’s throat becoming overly relaxed while sleeping, blocking the airways and preventing normal breathing.
Central Sleep
Apnea
We tailor Invisalign treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs and smile goals, providing individualized care and attention throughout the process.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea occurs when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed using a polysomnogram, also known as a sleep study. This can be done at home or at a sleep disorder center. The test records activities that occur while you sleep, including: brain activity, breathing, and oxygen levels. It also measures how long you spend in each sleep stage, how frequently you wake up, if you stop breathing, if you snore, and body position.
After the sleep study, a specialist goes over the data from your test. They analyze your brain activity and body system functioning to diagnose if a sleep disorder is present and recommend treatment.
If recommended, a dentist trained in sleep medicine works with the specialist to treat obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Our office can provide you with a sleep apnea oral appliance. Contact our team today for a sleep apnea consultation in Alpharetta.
What Are Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are listed below. Just because you have one, or a few of these, doesn’t mean you have sleep apnea. Check with your doctor to be certain.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea may involve surgery, CPAP or BiPAP machines, or oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances provide the least invasive option and are often a good choice for the treatment of mild to moderate OSA. A carefully calibrated appliance can comfortably help hold the jaw in a precise position throughout the night, allowing critical oxygen flow.
All treatment recommendations should be made in consultation with your sleep physician. Once a treatment path that you can use consistently is chosen, we may be able to provide critical support for your efforts. If appliance therapy is selected, it’s essential the right method and positioning are designed to precisely maintain your airway.