Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are two of the most common sleep disorders. Dr. Morgan Chambers helps patients with snoring problems and sleep apnea in Lexington, KY. Although many do not realize that a dentist can treat sleep apnea, this is a common concern that Dr. Chambers can treat. You can get treatment at our office if you need to treat mild symptoms.
Dr. Chambers can use oral appliances to open the airways and prevent apnea. She will work with you to find the right treatment for your needs.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a type of sleep-disordered breathing. It occurs when the upper airway is repeatedly blocked during sleep. Doctors characterize it by loud snoring, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Other signs and symptoms may include dry mouth, insomnia, morning headaches, and memory and attention problems. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical advice as soon as possible. The most common signs of sleep apnea include the following:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Gasping while sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Frequent waking up at night
- Morning headaches
- Problems with concentration
- Trouble staying asleep
In severe cases, it can also lead to high blood pressure and heart problems. If you or a loved one snores, discuss this with Dr. Chambers at your next visit. Treating a sleep disorder can restore overall health for both the patient and those affected by their snoring.
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Heart Health
In addition to keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep, sleep apnea can also present a serious health risk. Sometimes, snoring and sleep apnea can be signs of bigger health problems, like heart issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other diseases. These conditions can mess up your sleep and greatly impact your overall health.
If obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) isn’t treated, it can make the chances of having a stroke, heart attack, or other heart problems much higher. When people have OSA, they stop breathing over and over during the night, sometimes hundreds of times. These breathing pauses cut down the oxygen going to organs like the brain and heart. This makes the heart work harder, which can lead to problems like clogged arteries and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How to Diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Diagnosing a sleep-related breathing disorder involves a team effort between your dentist, general physician, and other specialists. We will need to conduct diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, to examine the airway and look for signs of blockage. Our team may also request a sleep study (polysomnogram) to evaluate the quality of your sleep. You can complete this study in the comfort of your home or at a sleep specialist’s office.
The results of a sleep study can help determine whether an individual is suffering from OSA. These studies measure heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels while sleeping. They provide valuable insights into an individual’s sleep patterns, helping us diagnose OSA and improve the quality of life for our affected patients.
If Dr. Chambers determines that you have OSA, she will recommend a treatment plan. Treatment plans may include lifestyle modifications, weight loss, oral appliances, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Treating Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Lexington, KY
Snoring and sleep apnea can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Fortunately, treatments are available to help people who suffer from these conditions. From lifestyle changes to medical interventions, many methods can help one get the restful sleep they need.
CPAP machines are the traditional method for treating sleep apnea. However, these machines are often loud, bulky, and uncomfortable.
Dr. Chambers offers oral appliance therapy to address snoring complications and reduce OSA health risks. An oral appliance gently shifts and positions your jaw to allow air to flow through the upper respiratory tract.
The oral appliance itself looks like a mouthguard, and you will only wear it during sleep to support your jaw throughout the night. Dr. Chambers creates custom-fit oral appliances so there is no worry of it falling out during sleep. Compared to CPAP machines, sleep appliances are small, portable, and comfortable to wear.
With these appliances, you don’t have to try to sleep with a bulky mask over your face. Small oral appliances offer comfortable and effective treatment for mild forms of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can cause a person to stop breathing during sleep. To help you understand the condition better, read our list of common patient questions:
Do dental appliances work for sleep apnea?
Dentists spearheaded the use of oral appliances for OSA and snoring. Patients often complain about bulky CPAP machines making it difficult and uncomfortable to fall asleep. Fortunately, custom-made oral appliances from your dentist have high success rates and are much more comfortable to wear.
How long are sleep apnea studies?
Depending on the type and complexity, these studies can be short-term or long-term. On average, it can take 9 to 10 hours to complete a sleep study. The physical time that it takes to collect data is around 6 hours. A doctor may follow up after one year to see how long the treatment effects last and whether you have any adverse effects.
What are the negative effects of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can have many negative effects on patients. It can affect the quality of sleep, which ultimately affects the overall quality of life. Without treatment, this problem can increase blood pressure.
It can also increase your chances of having a stroke, heart failure, or heart attack. Some other immediate effects are headaches, irritability, and difficulty working and focusing.
Do I have sleep apnea if I snore?
No, just because you snore does not mean you also have sleep apnea. Snoring is the sound that occurs when air flows past the tissues in your throat. You can snore and not have sleep apnea.
However, snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea. If you have other symptoms like difficulty staying asleep, daytime sleepiness, or fatigue, it may be time to see if you have sleep apnea.
How does weight affect sleep apnea?
Weight can affect sleep apnea because extra weight, especially around the neck and throat, can make it harder to breathe while you sleep. This extra weight can block or narrow the airway, which can lead to or worsen sleep apnea.
Losing weight can help improve sleep apnea by reducing the pressure on your airway and making breathing easier at night. If you think weight might be affecting your sleep, talk to your doctor for advice and support.
How does gender affect sleep apnea?
Gender can affect sleep apnea in different ways. Generally, men are more likely to have sleep apnea than women. However, women can still have sleep apnea, especially if they are overweight, pregnant, or going through menopause.
Hormones can also play a role. For example, women’s hormone changes during menopause can increase their risk of sleep apnea. Men and women may also experience different symptoms, so contact us for care if you notice signs of sleep apnea.
Can sleep position impact sleep apnea?
Yes, sleep position can impact sleep apnea. For many people, sleeping on their back can make sleep apnea worse because it can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to block the airway.
Sleeping on your side is often better for people with sleep apnea. It helps keep the airway open and makes it easier to breathe. If you’re having trouble with sleep apnea, trying to sleep on your side might help improve your symptoms.
Can a humidifier help sleep apnea?
Yes, a humidifier can help with sleep apnea. It adds moisture to the air, making breathing easier and reducing irritation in your throat and nasal passages. This can be especially helpful if dry air makes your symptoms worse.
However, a humidifier alone might not fully treat sleep apnea. Use it along with other treatments and to talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your sleep apnea.
Get a Sleep Apnea Consultation Today
Treat obstructive sleep apnea in Lexington, KY, with Dr. Morgan Chambers today. Call 859-251-3809 to schedule a worry-free consultation at Complete Dentistry For All Ages. You can also schedule an appointment online.
Please let us know if you have more questions about your treatment options. We will be happy to answer them on your next visit.