Sleep Better with Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment
Have you experienced a restful night’s sleep recently, or do you often wake up feeling fatigued? Perhaps those you live with have raised concerns about your snoring, or worse, you’ve encountered moments where you gasp for breath during the night. If these struggles sound familiar, you could be dealing with sleep apnea.
Beyond its impact on daily alertness, sleep apnea is a severe medical condition associated with an increased risk of serious complications such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms. Amistad Dentistry Cosmetic, Implants, & Orthodontics in Del Rio, TX, is committed to enhancing lives through top-tier dental care, including comprehensive sleep apnea treatment. We understand the importance of restful sleep to your overall health and well-being, and we possess the expertise and advanced techniques to help you manage your sleep apnea, allowing you to enjoy high-quality, uninterrupted rest.
Defining Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea represents a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent interruptions in breathing while asleep. Among its various forms, obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent, where the relaxation of throat muscles obstructs the airflow.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea, including smoking, a family history of the condition, advancing age, male gender, excess weight, particularly around the torso and neck, a narrowed airway attributed to factors like enlarged tonsils, and the presence of specific medical conditions such as hypertension and hormonal imbalances.
Tailored Solutions for Treating Sleep Apnea
Oral Appliance
An oral appliance for sleep apnea is a custom-made device designed to be worn in the mouth while sleeping. It works by repositioning the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open, preventing airway obstruction and disruptions in breathing. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are smaller, more discreet, and easier to use, making them a preferred choice for many patients. These appliances are comfortable, non-invasive, and portable, offering an effective solution for those who find traditional CPAP therapy cumbersome or uncomfortable.
Home Sleep Test (HST)
A Home Sleep Study is a rather simple, quick, and inexpensive way to screen for a potential life threatening condition called OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA. The study is done in the comfort and convenience of your own home and bed. The device we use is FDA approved and is called the “Medibyte” from Braebon Medical Corporation. This device delivers similar data in comparison to a typical overnight sleep lab.
The Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can lead to a cascade of serious health complications when left untreated. The recurring disruptions in breathing during sleep deprive the body of oxygen, straining the heart and cardiovascular system. Over time, this can increase the risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and irregular heart rhythms.
Sleep apnea can also lead to daytime drowsiness, impairing cognitive function, increasing the risk of accidents, and diminishing overall quality of life. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with an elevated likelihood of developing metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and weight gain and mood disorders like depression. Given these potential consequences, seeking diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea is essential to safeguarding your sleep quality and long-term health.
