Sleep Apnea
What Is Sleep Apnea?
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Sleep apnea is a disorder that can cause you to stop breathing for 10 to 90 seconds at a time while sleeping. It is a serious disorder that reduces your blood oxygen levels and prevents you from sleeping through the night. The lack of oxygen can lead to other more serious health concerns like high blood pressure and even heart failure.
The Types Of Sleep Apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea that cause a patient to regularly stop breathing while they sleep: central and obstructive sleep apnea.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is the rarer of the two types. It is caused by the brain failing to send a signal for the muscles to initiate air intake. Central sleep apnea is a complex neurological disorder and requires specialized medical attention. A highly trained sleep medicine specialist will be able to diagnose and treat your central sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This is the most common type of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the soft tissues of your mouth and throat collapsing thereby obstructing your upper airway. Unlike central sleep apnea, which requires the help of a sleep medicine specialist, our dentists in our Edmonton, AB, office can diagnose and treat this form of sleep apnea.
Start Sleeping Peacefully Contact Our Downtown Edmonton, Office
Don't continue to struggle with symptoms of sleep apnea. Delayed treatment can lead to serious medical issues and affect your quality of life. Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky is a dentist in Downtown Edmonton who can diagnose and treat your sleep apnea. We offer dental appliances that can open your upper airways and dramatically improve your quality of sleep. If you can't stand another sleepless night, get in touch with our Edmonton, AB, office to schedule your consultation.
(780) 428-6846
"Obstructive sleep apnea can affect your overall quality of life and lead to serious health issues."
The Risk Factors For Developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
While anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea, certain factors can put you at greater risk.
Age
Obstructive sleep apnea can happen at any age, but it is most likely to occur after age 40.
Gender
Men generally have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
Weight
Being overweight increases your risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea because the excess weight puts added stress on the restricted upper airways.
Family History
People who have a family history of sleep apnea are more likely to develop it in their lifetime.
Tonsils
Enlarged tonsils restrict your airways and put you at risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
The Treatments Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The treatments of obstructive sleep apnea can range from non-invasive to surgical.
Oral Appliance
This is the preferred method of our dental office. This device is custom-fit to reposition your lower jaw, tongue, soft palate, and uvula, thereby opening your upper airway. Since it is customized to fit your teeth, many patients find it comfortable to wear while they sleep. This is a non-invasive, highly effective way to treat this sleep disorder.
Lifestyle Changes
Behavioral modifications for relieving sleep apnea are usually the hardest to implement, requiring the patient's commitment to follow through. Weight loss, exercise, and an overall healthy lifestyle can provide significant improvement. Lifestyle changes can be suggested by your doctor in addition to other forms of sleep apnea treatment.
CPAP
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a common treatment for this type of sleep disorder. A CPAP is worn at night to provide continuous positive airway pressure through a tube that is connected to a mask you wear over your nose. The CPAP is effective at keeping your upper airway open and providing you with an adequate amount of oxygen. However, the machine can be uncomfortable and loud, so many patients prefer an oral appliance over a CPAP machine.
Surgery
Surgery is always the last resort to treat this type of sleep disorder. Only patients with severe sleep apnea need to undergo this surgery that removes the excess tissue blocking your upper airway.
"A custom-fit oral appliance is our Edmonton clinic's preferred method of sleep apnea treatment."
A Modern Dental Clinic That Can Treat Your Sleep Apnea
DentaCare Group was established in 1989 as a way to provide high-quality dentistry for patients throughout the Edmonton, Alberta community. When you visit our clinic, our staff will make every step of your treatment easy and comfortable. Our team will guide you through your sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment options so you can achieve a full night of quality sleep. Contact our downtown Edmonton, AB, clinic to schedule your sleep apnea consultation.
(780) 428-6846
The Process Of Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment
With over 40 years of experience, our dentists can effectively diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea.
"Sleep apnea treatment seeks to give you a better night's sleep and overall better quality of life."
