Sleep Apnea Treatment – Danville
Get the Quality Night of Sleep You Deserve
Sleep apnea is one of the three most common sleep disorders. Unfortunately, the wide range of symptoms makes it difficult to accurately diagnose sleep apnea, and many patients remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. At Danville Dental Associates, we offer a wide range of dentistry services, and that includes sleep apnea screenings and therapy. Dentists have years of advanced training and experience in how the oral and facial structures interact, including the airway. While you may not think of visiting one of our offices for sleep apnea therapy, we may be the best option. Call our team to find out more or schedule a sleep apnea consultation in one of our five Danville and Chatham office locations.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder affecting millions of US adults yearly. Apnea is the cessation of breathing for ten or more seconds at a time during sleep. While anyone can experience a few apnea incidents during the night, patients who suffer from sleep apnea may experience hundreds or thousands of these apnea events during a single night. There are two main types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central sleep apnea. The less common type is central sleep apnea, and it occurs when the brain fails to signal the body to inhale during sleep. The more common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. As the name suggests, this form of apnea occurs when the airway is blocked during sleep. More advanced medical treatments may be necessary for patients suffering from central sleep apnea, but for those patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a comfortable, portable, custom oral appliance from our dentists may provide adequate relief, allowing patients to rest peacefully, breathe deeply, and sleep soundly.
The Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
Because the side effects and warning signs of sleep apnea are so varied, many patients suffer from sleep apnea for years before a diagnosis is made. If you experience any combination of the following symptoms, you may want to seek a diagnosis of sleep apnea:
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
In addition to the frustrating symptoms listed above, sleep apnea can have a variety of detrimental effects. If you are lacking quality sleep, you likely struggle with focus, memory, mood, and reaction time. Untreated sleep apnea can also increase your risk of developing heart disease and experiencing a cardiovascular event – like a heart attack. Pregnant women with untreated sleep apnea are also more likely to have pre-term birth due to an increase in blood pressure. Ultimately, if you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s a good idea to seek help from a professional to get to the root of the problem.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Some patients are at a higher risk for sleep apnea than others, so it’s even more important that you let our team or a trusted sleep doctor know right away if you experience any warning signs of sleep apnea. The most common risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Neck circumference greater than 17 inches for males or 16 inches for females
- High blood pressure
- Body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2
- Greater than 50 years of age
- Males are much more likely to suffer from sleep apnea
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are a popular option for addressing sleep apnea. This treatment involves the patient wearing a mask over their nose and/or mouth while they sleep. Through the mask, the air is constantly being projected into the body, keeping the airway open. CPAP therapy is an excellent solution for many, especially those with severe sleep apnea. However, others find the mask to be bulky, the machine loud, and the whole experience uncomfortable.
At Danville Dental, we offer a more conservative and comfortable alternative: oral appliance therapy. Made from acrylic and custom-fitted to your mouth, this treatment involves wearing a nightguard that keeps your lower jaw in a position that prevents the airway from being obstructed during sleep. Through oral appliance therapy, many patients are able to find relief.
Your Sleep Apnea Consultation
During your sleep apnea consultation with our team, we’ll begin by walking you through a questionnaire to help you determine whether or not you should proceed with sleep testing. If we determine you are likely to be suffering from sleep apnea, we’ll work with a trusted sleep doctor to conduct a sleep test. If you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea but find yourself unable to adjust to CPAP treatment, we can begin creating a personalized treatment plan using an oral appliance or combined therapy.