Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you snore during the night or find that you are exhausted during the day no matter how early you go to bed, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Our dentists and team at Dental Arts Of Drexel Hill want to help those suffering from the effects of sleep apnea in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. We may recommend lifestyle changes in addition to oral appliance therapy using the SomnoMed system. If you would like to learn more, please call (610) 379-3723 to schedule a consultation with Drs. Stephen Niemczyk and Michael Kopa.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by obstructions in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and liver problems.
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. We recommend that you talk to our dentist, as well as your physician, if you suffer from the symptoms of sleep apnea. Common signs 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
Sleep apnea treatment may depend on the severity of the condition. If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, our dentist 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. For more information on sleep apnea treatment, we welcome you to call or visit our dental practice today. We are committed to helping you improve your health!
