While snoring is a common occurrence for many people, it can sometimes be an indicator of a serious condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder that can lead to holistic health problems if left untreated; this includes an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Recognizing sleep apnea can be challenging, but once diagnosed, our team of specialists at Midtown Manhattan Dental Arts has a simple solution to resolve its symptoms and help you achieve a good night’s sleep.
Read below to learn more, or contact our New York, NY office if you have any questions!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by the repeated interruption of breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing, called apneas, can occur as frequently as 30 times or more per hour and last from a few seconds to a full minute. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat or mouth block the airway.
The Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Some common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Frequent awakenings or insomnia
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
It’s essential to remember that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. However, if you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Diagnosing sleep apnea requires the expertise of a physician. They may recommend a sleep study, either in a sleep lab or through a home sleep apnea test (HSAT), to monitor your breathing, heart rate, and other factors during sleep. The data collected during the sleep study will help your physician determine if you have sleep apnea and the severity of the condition.
Treating Sleep Apnea
There are various treatment options available for sleep apnea, including lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and surgery. However, at Midtown Manhattan Dental Arts, we offer an easy and non-invasive alternative: oral appliance therapy.
Oral Appliance Therapy
As part of oral appliance therapy, the patient wears a custom-fitted dental device during rest, similar to a mouthguard. The appliance works by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward, which helps keep the airway open and prevents the collapse of the soft tissues that contribute to sleep apnea and snoring. Our goal is to ensure that your appliance is comfortable, effective, and tailored precisely to your needs.
At Midtown Manhattan Dental Arts, we understand that proper rest is vital to your overall health and well-being. The treatment and support we provide to patients with sleep apnea ensure that they can rest well at night and wake up feeling refreshed. Working closely with your physician, we aim to deliver optimal results that truly improve your life.
Don’t let sleep apnea hold you back from enjoying a healthy, energetic life. Schedule a consultation with Midtown Manhattan Dental Arts today to get started on your journey to a better night’s sleep.
