Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea has a significant impact on your overall health. When untreated, it can contribute to a number of serious medical problems. We strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with your physician or a sleep specialist if you experience any symptoms of sleep apnea so that you can receive the care you need.

Some common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Extreme drowsiness during the day
• Personality changes and irritability
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Snoring
• Waking up with a very dry or sore throat
• Frequent morning headaches

Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea are at an increased risk of developing or worsening a number of physical and psychological conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to:

• Problems with the central nervous system
• Problems with the immune system
• Problems with the digestive system
• Problems with hormone production
• Heart disease and a weakened cardiovascular system
• Stroke
• Liver problems
• High blood pressure
• Increased blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Impaired memory and difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety and depression
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• Poor balance
• Excessive daytime drowsiness

Insufficient sleep as a result of sleep apnea has also been recognized as a global problem and a public health epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lack of sleep has been linked to car accidents and occupational accidents, and it can make it difficult to perform daily tasks and maintain a healthy quality of life. Lack of sleep can also lower productivity.

At Center for Implant Dentistry, we offer potential sleep apnea treatments if you test positively for sleep apnea. These treatments may depend on the severity of the condition. If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, our implantologist may recommend a simple oral appliance. The appliance works to treat obstructive sleep apnea by fitting over your teeth and keeping your airway open while you sleep. It can work by preventing the tongue from blocking the air passage or by holding your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages during sleep.

To learn more about sleep apnea and your health, or to schedule a sleep apnea test with our implantologist, please contact our office today.