Sleep Apnea
At Perry Dental, our goal is not only getting you the dental care you deserve, but improve your quality of life. For example, we understand how critical quality sleep is to your overall health and well-being which is why we offer easy and effective solutions to sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea, a common yet serious condition, disrupts your sleep and can significantly impact your daily life. If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to a range of health issues, including heart problems, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
But there’s no need to worry thanks to our incredible team. By working with sleep study specialists, we are able to offer effective, personalized solutions for managing sleep apnea, helping you enjoy healthier, more restful nights.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last several seconds and may occur multiple times throughout the night. They prevent you from getting the deep, restorative sleep necessary for proper physical and mental function.
While there are different types of sleep apnea, we focus on the most common one which is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This occurs when your airflow is limited while you sleep, either from a softening of the palate, placement of the tongue, or position of your jaw.
Do I have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because many symptoms occur during sleep. However, some signs may indicate you’re experiencing sleep apnea:
- Loud, persistent snoring.
- Frequent gasping or choking sounds during sleep.
- Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep (often observed by a partner).
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat.
- Frequent morning headaches.
- Excessive daytime fatigue or drowsiness.
- Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, or mood changes.up with a dry mouth or sore throat.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may have sleep apnea and should consider contacting our office for a consultation. We can help identify any obstructions or direct you to resources such as a sleep study specialist, getting you onto the fast track for a great night’s sleep.
Restless Nights and Their Health Risks
All of us experience a restless night once in a while; a noisy neighbor might keep us up or we had a coffee too late in the day. But sleep apnea is more than just the occasional bad night—it is a constant disruption, preventing you from getting the restorative benefits of rest.
Going a prolonged period of time without being able to reach the REM state of your sleep cycle can have a severe impact on your health. In fact, those with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to develop health risks such as:
- Heart Disease: The repeated drop in oxygen levels stresses the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attacks and other heart conditions.
- High Blood Pressure: Sleep apnea can elevate blood pressure levels, increasing the risk of stroke.
- Diabetes: There’s evidence that untreated sleep apnea may raise the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Mental Health Challenges: Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
- Daytime Fatigue and Accidents: Excessive daytime sleepiness can impair focus and reaction times, leading to accidents and reduced work performance.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
At Perry Dental, we offer a range of effective treatment options, including oral appliance therapy, to help you manage sleep apnea and reclaim restful sleep. We believe in a customized approach, selecting solutions that best fit your individual needs and lifestyle.
While we will be able to determine the optimal approach for your treatment after consultation, one of the most popular services we offer is airway orthodontics which offer a streamlined solution in the form of a customized oral appliance.
Oral Appliance Therapy
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can be an excellent alternative to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines. These custom-fitted devices are designed to keep your airway open while you sleep by gently adjusting the position of your jaw and tongue.
Comfortable and Convenient:
Oral appliances are easy to wear and can be an effective, non-invasive solution. Many patients find them more comfortable and easier to tolerate than a CPAP machine.
Custom Fit:
Dr. Perry will create a custom-fitted appliance designed to suit the shape of your mouth and optimize comfort and effectiveness.
Travel-Friendly:
Oral appliances are small and portable, making them ideal for patients who travel frequently and want a convenient solution.
Reclaim Restful Nights and Better Health
If you’re ready to address your sleep apnea and experience more restful nights, Dr. Evan L. Perry and our team at Perry Dental are here to help. From diagnosis to tailored treatment plans, we are committed to helping you breathe easier so you can enjoy a peaceful night for a more productive day.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation and put any sleep apnea concerns to rest!