Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea, also called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a relatively common condition where your breathing frequently stops for 10 seconds or longer and then starts again while you sleep. This can lead to low oxygen levels while you sleep, potentially causing severe complications and preventing you from resting adequately at night.

OSA happens when the muscles of your neck and throat become relaxed and block your airway. Sleep apnea places strain on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, which could lead to or worsen heart disease, cardiovascular problems, and high blood pressure.

Those at the highest risk for sleep apnea include those who are obese, smoke, have chronic nasal congestion, or asthma. Having diabetes and high blood pressure may increase your chances of having sleep apnea.

Do I have sleep apnea?

You may have sleep apnea if you snore, snort, choke, or gasp while you sleep. Often, sleep partners are the first to notice these symptoms. You may have other symptoms, which could include:

• Frequent fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Night sweats
• Headaches on waking
• Waking with a sore throat
• Abrupt waking during the night

Because OSA prevents consistent deep sleep, you may struggle with daytime sleepiness, irritability, or mood changes. If you have these symptoms, your dental team at Serenity Laser Dental PC may be able to help.

What are the treatments for sleep apnea?

For mild instances of sleep apnea, losing weight, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly may improve your sleep and decrease your symptoms. For more severe cases, your primary care doctor may recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a face mask you wear as you sleep that helps maintain oxygen levels and improve your breathing.

If CPAP isn’t right for you, your dental team at Serenity Laser Dental PC, offers oral appliance therapy. This therapy utilizes a customized mouthpiece you wear at night that helps prevent the soft tissue of your throat from blocking your airway.

Laser dentistry also offers modern solutions for sleep apnea. Currently working toward certification, the Serenity Laser Dental PC team looks forward to using laser therapy to reshape the tissues in your throat that are blocking your airway, reducing your symptoms and improving your rest.

For personalized treatment plans to improve your sleep apnea, call the office or schedule an appointment online with Serenity Laser Dental PC today.