Are you a chronic snorer? Do you have trouble staying asleep? You may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common disorder that occurs when the soft tissues in the mouth, like the tongue or soft palate, block the airway. This blockage can prevent patients from breathing for short periods of time. Patients with a narrowed airway or large tissues are more likely to experience pauses in breathing during sleep, which can happen hundreds of times at night.
Dr. Jordan Rabban and Dr. Michael Sesi provide sleep apnea treatment in the Village of Clarkston, MI, with oral appliance therapy. Treating sleep apnea can reduce symptoms and prevent future health problems. In addition to providing treatments for sleeping disorders, we provide general dentistry services in our Clarkston, MI, dental office.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors and Symptoms
Patients are more at risk of developing sleep apnea if they are:
- Overweight
- Over 40
- Male
- Heavy smokers
- Heavy drinkers
Patients with a narrow airway or a larger neck circumference may find themselves prone to sleep apnea. Smoking heavily can increase fluid retention in the upper airway, which contributes to sleep disorders. Drinking reduces blood oxygen levels and increases a person’s apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). This index measures how many times patients experience pauses in breathing during sleep.
Look out for these common sleep apnea symptoms, which include:
- Snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Morning headaches
Contact us if you notice these symptoms of sleep apnea; it is important to address sleep apnea early because sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart problems. Continuous periods of sleep apnea drop blood oxygen levels. Many periods of low blood pressure, also known as hypoxia or hypoxemia, contribute to irregular heart rhythms.
As blood oxygen levels drop, blood pressure increases, putting more stress on the heart. Patients with sleep apnea can experience heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes, particularly if they are already at risk of heart problems.
Sleep Apnea in Clarkston, MI
Before treatment, we can provide sleep apnea screenings to determine if patients have sleep apnea and will benefit from oral appliance therapy. We will take digital x-rays of the teeth, jaw, and throat and perform a physical examination. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the common methods for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, some patients may not require CPAP machines. These machines can also cause discomfort because they use bulky nasal masks and make noise when patients are trying to sleep.
Oral appliance therapy offers an alternative to CPAP machines with portable, noiseless treatment. Similar to nightguards, oral appliances typically cover the upper and lower teeth. Oral appliances move the lower jaw forward and often hold the tongue in place to keep the airway open. We can customize oral appliances to fit each patient comfortably. Oral appliances are also portable and noiseless, which makes them a comfortable and convenient option for some sleep apnea patients.
Address Sleep Apnea Today
Do you think you may have sleep apnea? Contact Clarkston Dental care today. You can request a dental consultation with us online or call 248-985-2906. If you have any questions or concerns about sleep apnea, please let us know, and we will be happy to assist you.