When you wake up feeling refreshed, you can properly take on the day and truly feel like yourself! But when you don’t get the sleep you need, it can leave you feeling tired and just plain defeated, whether you’re working or spending time with family. If getting to bed early, cutting caffeinated beverages during the day, and buying new pillows doesn’t seem to help, you may need sleep apnea treatment in Garland. Dentistry by Brand is more than prepared to help you get the personalized care you need, so don’t hesitate to call to schedule an appointment!
Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder where a person stops breathing as they are sleeping, usually for about 10 seconds at a time. These events are known as “apneas” and can occur dozens and even hundreds of times a night, making it impossible to stay asleep and achieve the levels of rest needed to feel refreshed upon awaking. While there are two different common types of sleep apnea (including obstructive sleep apnea or OSA and central sleep apnea or CSA) obstructive sleep apnea is the more common of the two. OSA occurs when the airway becomes narrowed or blocked, preventing oxygen from properly traveling to the lungs and the rest of the body.
Unfortunately, many people with sleep apnea go undiagnosed. In fact, about 80% of people who have the condition either never get diagnosed or they end up being misdiagnosed. This is often because the symptoms are not always easy for the patient to recognize. However, the most common indicators include the following:
Keep in mind that just because you snore loudly does not automatically mean you have sleep apnea. However, what it does mean is that further examination is needed to confirm that sleep apnea is not present.
It’s common for patients suffering from sleep apnea to be prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure machine (or CPAP) to address these symptoms. While they can be effective, many patients end up discontinuing their use due to compliance issues, especially when they feel claustrophobic while wearing the device.
At Dentistry by Brand, we offer custom-made oral appliances as an alternative. These are designed to remove blockages in the mouth and throat, allowing more oxygen to travel to the lungs. Customized to fit comfortably and last for years, our oral appliances reposition the jaw to keep the throat clear. After a few days and weeks of using your appliance, we encourage you to let us know if your symptoms are improving. Many patients notice positive changes to their quality of sleep right away!