Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is characterized by the repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The pauses occur when the upper airway gets blocked. Although this problem is common, this should be not be ignored because it may cause severe problems. At Washington Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we help our patients sleep comfortably with the help of our sleep apnea treatment.
Patients who suffer from sleep apnea are at high risk of low blood oxygen levels. Additionally, patients may get inadequate sleep daily which results in stress, fatigue, loss of focus and even accidents.
Sleep apnea has three types, obstructive, central, and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea (most common type) occurs when muscles in the throat relax and block the airway. In Central sleep apnea, there is no blockage in the airway, but the brain fails to send a signal to the muscles which are responsible for breathing. When these two symptoms are combined, it is called as Complex sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Patients will find it difficult to identify the symptoms of sleep apnea because it usually occurs during sleep. However, this can be observed by a bed partner or by recording during sleep.
Here are some of the signs of sleep apnea:
- Loud and persistent snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Choking, gasping, and snorting during sleep
- Daytime fatigue and irritability
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches and sore throat
- Loss of focus
- Depression
Sleep Apnea Treatment
The initial treatment for sleep apnea is the changing of lifestyle such as reducing weight and quitting of cigarette smoking. For conditions that do not respond to this treatment, a machine will be used. The machine delivers air pressure through a mask to keep the airways open while sleeping. It does not only deliver pressure but can also adjust the pressure automatically at night.
Surgical treatments may also be recommended for some patients while under the influence of sedation. The surgery that is performed to remove the excess tissues in the nose and throat, tighten the soft palate, or reposition the jaw.
Sleep apnea treatments address not only the dental health of the person but also its overall health by allowing the body to get the proper sleep it needs to function properly fully.
If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, schedule your appointment immediately at Washington Center for Cosmetic Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Washington. We are located at 4910 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 204 Washington, DC 20016.