Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects millions of Americans each night. The condition is characterized by a diminished ability or an inability to breathe while asleep. The result of which is a constantly interrupted sleep pattern that can lead to daytime fatigue, a lack of alertness and a host of chronic medical conditions. Sleep apnea treatment includes the use of dental appliances prescribed by our practice. At Polinsky Dental we’ve been working with
White Plains sleep apnea patients to help alleviate the conditions that keep patients and their bedmates awake.
The most common form of White Plains sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airwaves are obstructed during sleep by closing the passage usually at the back of the throat. The airflow is either greatly diminished or obstructed altogether and will remain so until the blood oxygen levels drop and the brain sends a signal to wake up and move the obstructed air passage. Sleep apnea treatment is designed to keep the airways from being obstructed in the first place. While there is no one cause of obstructive sleep apnea contributing risk factors often include obesity, narrow airways, large neck circumference, nasal congestion, being male, older, or a smoker. There is no exact medical or blood test for sleep apnea and as an alternative to spending the night being observed at a sleep clinic is usually diagnosed through an at-homes monitor and symptoms. Sleep apnea symptoms include extremely heavy snoring, large gasps from the patient, daytime fatigue, lack of attention during the day, inability to focus, tiredness, dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening and irritability. Very often those in the room with a sleep apnea sufferer find it very difficult to sleep as well due to the loud snoring and gasping. Sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart and liver disease.
White Plains sleep apnea treatment depends on getting more air into and through the air passages. The easiest way to get more air through the airways is to help keep them unobstructed. Our practice has a number of dental appliances that we can use to keep the airways clear. One such technique that our doctors can fabricate is worn to keep the jaw forward, which prevents it from dropping and closing the air passage during sleep. Dental appliances are simpler to use and more comfortable than large continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. Our doctor will continue to monitor you to make sure your appliance fit properly and you are getting the relief you need. If you believe that sleep apnea is affecting you and your loved ones please come see us and we’ll help you breathe easier at night.
By Family Dental 2000
October 31, 2018
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