In the short term, sleep apnea can cause drowsiness and poor quality sleep. And in the long run, it can raise your risk of life-threatening conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Getting treatment means you’ll be able to breathe properly, sleep easily, and take control of your health.
It’s estimated that about 1 in 12 Americans suffer from sleep apnea.
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Without treatment, low-quality sleep can cause things like irritability, problems focusing, or even drowsiness when driving. But with proper sleep apnea treatment, you’ll be able to sleep properly again. You’ll feel rested after just 7-8 hours of sleep.
Sleep apnea treatment helps reduce your risk of health conditions like headaches, diabetes, heart attack and stroke, and more. You’ll be able to breathe properly and without interruptions at night, which is great for your overall health.
Sleep apnea treatment helps you feel more energetic and get through the day more easily. It will be easier to do things like exercise and lose weight. Proper treatment may also help restore your libido and improve intimacy, since sleep apnea is often associated with low sex drive.
First you will need to have a sleep apnea test for a diagnosis. An at home sleep apnea test is a comfortable screening tool that will help your doctor diagnose you. A small device worn while sleeping in the comfort of your home will record information about your sleep health for your doctor to evaluate.
Depending on your condition, your treatment recommendations may differ. Patients with minor apnea may just need a special retainer from a dentist, while those with more serious apnea may need treatment like a CPAP, or even oral surgery to remove some oral tissue. Your physician will review your sleep test results and make the appropriate recommendation.
If your sleep specialist recommends a retainer, orthodontics, or oral surgery, our sleep apnea dentist is here to help. We will work closely with you and your sleep physician to help you control and manage your apnea.
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram. This can be conducted in a sleep lab or, in some cases, at home. During a sleep study, various body functions are monitored while you sleep, including:
The data collected is analyzed by a sleep specialist to determine if you have sleep apnea and, if so, its severity. In addition to the sleep study, your doctor will consider your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may ask you (or your sleep partner) about your sleep patterns and daytime symptoms.
Untreated sleep apnea can result in a range of health complications, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and worsening of ADHD. Sleep apnea causes repeated awakenings throughout the night, which affects the quality of sleep, leading to fatigue and drowsiness during the day. This can severely impact productivity, concentration, and overall quality of life.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it's crucial not to ignore the symptoms and seek professional help. Dr. Sarah Kinard and her team at Kinard Family Dental are well-versed in sleep apnea treatment and can provide the care you need to manage this condition effectively.
While CPAP is highly effective, it's not the only option. Other treatments include lifestyle changes, oral appliances designed to keep your throat open, and various types of surgery. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your sleep apnea, your personal preference, and your overall health. Dr. Sarah Kinard at Kinard Family Dental can guide you through the process of choosing the most effective treatment for your condition.
Sleeping position can significantly impact sleep apnea symptoms. The most recommended position is sleeping on your side, also known as the lateral position. This position can help prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues at the back of your throat, keeping your airways open.
However, it's important to remember that while altering your sleep position can help reduce symptoms, it should not replace medical treatment for sleep apnea. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it's essential to seek professional help. Dr. Sarah Kinard and her team at Kinard Family Dental are experienced in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and breathing devices can successfully help manage symptoms, but they don't typically cure the condition. However, certain treatments can significantly improve symptoms, and in some cases, if the sleep apnea is caused by factors like obesity or nasal congestion, it can be reversed.
It's crucial to note that everyone is different, and what works best will depend on the severity of your sleep apnea and your overall health. Dr. Sarah Kinard at Kinard Family Dental in Helotes, TX, can provide personalized treatment plans to effectively manage your sleep apnea.
CPAP is short for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This is a type of machine that pumps a steady, gentle stream of pressurized air into your airway through a face mask. This stream prevents your airway tissue from collapsing, which prevents sleep apnea. CPAPs are usually recommended for patients with more severe apnea.
Your sleep specialist and your dentist may make some lifestyle recommendations to help with sleep apnea. These may include quitting smoking, exercising, losing weight, avoiding drugs and alcohol (especially before bed), and sleeping on your side, rather than on your back or your stomach.
Oral Appliance Therapy, or OAT for short, uses a special mouthguard. This mouthguard changes the position of your jaw when you sleep, which prevents oral tissue from sagging into your airway. This means that your breathing won’t be interrupted at night. OAT is ideal for patients with minor-to-moderate apnea.
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