Sleep apnea is an issue that causes changes in your breathing as you sleep. Your breathing may pause several times throughout the night or even within an hour, which can cause you to wake up feeling tired. Sometimes, you’ll even wake up gasping for air. Your local dentist at High Point Dentistry can help.
We Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your throat muscles relax, which blocks your airways. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send the appropriate signals to the muscles that are responsible for your breathing.
The dentist can only help if you have obstructive sleep apnea because the treatment revolves around keeping your airways open.
Get a Diagnosis From a Sleep Disorder Specialist
If you only think you have sleep apnea, a dentist can help you. You’ll first need to go to a sleep disorder specialist who can diagnose you. Then, your dentist will be able to treat you for sleep apnea. However, a dentist can’t diagnose this condition. Generally, dental treatment for sleep apnea is only if you have a mild to moderate case.
Fitting You with a Dental Appliance
Our dentist will fit you for a dental appliance. You wear it while you sleep. The dental appliance repositions your jaw forward to keep your airways open, so you don’t have repeated episodes where you can’t breathe as you sleep.
CPAP or BiPAP Machines or the Oral Appliance?
CPAPs and BiPAPS effectively treat sleep apnea of varying degrees of severity. However, if you find them too difficult to wear, then you may want to consult the dentist for a different solution, such as an oral appliance.
The dentists from High Point Dentistry can help you manage your sleep apnea, especially if you have a mild to moderate case. Book an appointment with High Point Dentistry, serving Elgin, Schaumburg, and Palatine, Illinois.
