What is Sleep Apnea?
Chicago, IL
 At Medhat Dental Excellence, we offer comprehensive care for sleep apnea and related conditions. Are you often tired during the day? Do you often snore or gasp for air in your sleep? If your answer to these questions is yes, then you might very well be suffering from a condition known as sleep apnea. This prevalent medical disorder afflicts millions of people in America.
Sleep Apnea Overview
Sleep apnea is characterized by constant interruptions in your breathing as you sleep, which is caused by gravity pulling your airways closed and your muscles relaxing. The resulting short-term suffocation creates extra strain on your body, which can lead to health issues such as mood changes, memory loss, weight gain, hypertension, and fatigue.
There are plenty of snoring or sleep apnea treatments to pick from, including airway surgeries like a maxillofacial surgery, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and a CPAP appliance. Sometimes people aren't happy with these treatments. In such cases, they may opt for dental options to help relieve the problem. At our dental office, we focus on creating custom-fit nighttime mouthguards to help sleep apnea patients find relief.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
For many people with sleep apnea, their partners are the first people to suspect something's amiss, typically because of their apparent trouble with breathing and heavy snoring. Friends and colleagues of the person with sleep apnea may notice the individual nodding off at inopportune moments during the day, like while working, talking, or driving a vehicle. The sleep apnea patients often have no idea they have an issue and might dispute it when told. It's vitally important that the patient see a medical doctor for an assessment of the situation.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
For years, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was the main treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. But many patients didn't find it comfortable and gradually stopped using it. Thankfully, there's now an easier option - a custom-fitted oral device that supports the lower jaw to stop airway blockages. Once a sleep apnea patient wears this oral appliance, their snoring halts, and they get consistent sleep and enjoy good days again.
Unlike CPAP, a detachable oral device improves sleep apnea in various ways. Firstly, the oral device is silent and small, so it doesn't disrupt the sleep of any person nearby. Secondly, the oral appliance doesn't require any special equipment. Thirdly, the oral device is very portable, which means you don't need to skip sleep apnea treatment while traveling. Last but not least, as the oral device is custom-made for your mouth, it's more comfortable and ensures a good night's sleep.
Whatever treatment you choose, know that we're highly experienced in treating sleep apnea, and soon enough you'll be reaping all of the perks associated with a long, soothing night's sleep once again.
If you or someone close to you is suffering from the strenuous effects of snoring or sleep apnea, don't hesitate to get in contact with Medhat Dental Excellence at (773) 774-4611 today to arrange an appointment. You deserve a long restful sleep each and every night, and we can help you with that! |
