Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a potentially fatal condition in which your breathing essentially stops during sleep. Generally, this is because your airway collapses when your muscles relax during sleep. Your throat is literally choking you. Your heart responds to the lack of oxygen by pumping harder, leading to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. In addition, your brain is forced to awaken partially, so you never reach the restorative levels of sleep, which results in even more physical and psychological problems. You are often unaware of the waking episodes, although snoring is a common warning sign, as is daytime sleepiness.
Dental Appliances Used to Treat Sleep Apnea
For those suffering from sleep apnea, there are various dental appliances that are designed to help treat the condition. These dental appliances are custom fit and are worn only at night. They are comfortable, non-invasive and are much smaller and more convenient than CPAP devices (a small machine that supplies a constant and steady air pressure, a hose and a mask/nose piece). These appliances are new dental technology that our specialists have been trained to use.
Signs You May Be Suffering From Sleep Apnea
Along with a decreased quality of life, people who suffer from sleep apnea also experience an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and depression. You may suffer from sleep apnea if you experience:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Long pauses in breathing during the night
- Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
- Excessive daytime tiredness and irritability
Desert Dental Specialty Group is the only dental group in the Indio area that combines specialties of Prosthodontics, Periodontics, and Endodontics with General Dental Care for the entire family. Call and make an appointment today (760) 568-5928
