Do you find yourself feeling sleepy during the daytime? Do you snore loudly or wake up in the middle of the night gasping for breath? If you are suffering from any of these conditions, then it could be sleep apnea. This sleep disorder is more widespread among men but can also occur in women, especially after menopause. At Eaddy Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, PLLC in Austin, Texas, we understand the complexities of sleep apnea and provide personalized treatment plans to fit your individual needs.
Sleep apnea is a condition during which your breathing stops intermittently during sleep. Each time you stop breathing; the oxygen levels go down and alert your brain. As a result, you wake up unconsciously to restart proper breathing. Most people will not take notice of this condition as they go back to sleep immediately. The constant disruptions can affect your sleep quality, making you feel drowsy throughout the day.
The below symptoms can signal the presence of sleep apnea.
There are three kinds of sleep apnea. The most regular one is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the crumbling of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less prevalent and is characterized by pauses in breathing. This happens when the muscles involved don't receive the correct signals from the brain. And some patients suffer from complex or mixed apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects more males than females. However, regardless of gender or age, anyone can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol, sedative medications, and family history. Central sleep apnea most often affects people with brain tumors, heart conditions, or neuromuscular disorders.
Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the intensity of the condition. Primary treatment includes making adjustments in your lifestyle like losing weight, cutting down on tobacco, and sleeping on your sides. In addition, we provide oral appliances such as a mouthguard. The mouthguards can help ease mild sleep apnea symptoms and help readjust the jaw to the correct position. It works by reducing the strain on the muscles that cause the airflow disruption. In more advanced cases, surgery may be the last option.
People residing in Austin, TX can book an appointment at the practice for all their dental needs. To learn more about our sleep apnea treatments, visit our office, Eaddy Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, PLLC at 3502 Wild Cherry Dr Bldg. 11, Austin, TX 78738. You can also reach us at (512) 607-9996.
