Comfortable and discreet sleep apnea treatment for the rest you need
Obstructive sleep apnea is more than loud snoring. It is a medical condition that can trigger serious health problems. CPAP was a go-to solution for sleep disorders of this nature in the past. It works if used consistently, but many people cannot sleep well wearing a face mask attached to a machine. Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin of Total Health Dental offers a comfortable, discreet alternative sleep apnea treatment for patients in Aurora, Illinois.
Understanding sleep apnea
The word apnea is derived from the Greek term “breathless” since sleep apnea literally leaves you without breath. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is when central sleep apnea events repeat despite CPAP treatment. Obstructive sleep apnea, however, is the most common type.
Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Shallow breath or cessation in breathing for up to several minutes at a time
- Choking, gasping, or snorting into wakefulness
- Unusual sleep positions
- Frequent repositioning
- Numerous bathroom breaks
- Headaches and migraines
- Waking with a dry throat
- Depression
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
Sleep apnea causes are not yet fully understood, but excess weight and facial structure are contributing factors.
Effective dental sleep apnea treatment in Aurora, Illinois
The condition’s existence, type, and severity are diagnosed through a sleep apnea test prescribed by a physician and conducted at a sleep center or in your home. Then it is time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Khaja for an alternative to CPAP sleep apnea treatment.
After evaluating your test results, Dr. Khaja may recommend an oral appliance for sleep apnea. This small device, about the size of a sports mouthguard, fits over teeth. It keeps the airway clear by depressing the tongue, moving the jaw slightly forward, and holding the mouth open just a bit. Its fit is customized for comfort, and the appliance is easy to clean. Most importantly, it is effective in resolving mild to moderate cases. For severe apnea, oral appliance therapy can significantly improve CPAP results. Start getting the healthy rest you deserve. Call (630) 822-9600 for an appointment at Total Health Dental in Aurora, IL. We serve new and established patients in the areas of Naperville, Oswego, Plainfield, Montgomery, and North Aurora, IL.
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from the life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. About 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea and it is a problem that many don’t even realize they might have. But what does this have to do with dentistry? Because sleep apnea is caused by an airway obstruction, the disorder can be treated through the mouth. The Thorton adjustable positioner, or Tap appliance is one of the more popular ways to treat sleep apnea. When the jawbone yes lax, the tongue and soft tissue obstruct the airway. The tap appliance advances the jaw bone, allowing the air to flow freely and making sleep more restful throughout the night. If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist today about possible treatment options.