Is your aggressive snoring waking up your loved one, or even yourself? While anyone can develop Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), there are some associated risk factors. Those who are overweight, have a thick neck circumference (greater than 16 inches), or a narrowed airway, are often at a great risk for sleep apnea. These are just a few of the risk factors and it’s important to consult your doctor if you think you might be suffering from OSA. Dr. Miller is a Qualified Dentist to treat OSA by The American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine.
While anyone can develop OSA, there are some associated risk factors. Do you find yourself dozing off in odd places? Do you snore most nights? Is your snoring loud? Are you being treated for high blood pressure? Do you feel fatigued even if you’re going to bed early? Do you have trouble sleeping or breathing through your nose? You may be at risk. There are many other factors which you may or may not have, OSA can still develop even if you are at low risk.
If snoring was the worst of Obstructive Sleep Apnea that would be one thing, but the truth is that those who are afflicted with OSA are more likely to suffer from serious health conditions.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious and life-shortening consequences: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, automobile accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel, diabetes, depression and other aliments.
Developing diabetes, heart disease, or even experiencing a stroke are all possible results of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can cause your hormones to become imbalanced, affecting your hunger and satiety levels (the degree to which we feel satisfied after eating).
Snoring often results in keeping others in your home awake. Often robbing them of a good night’s sleep.
Constant exhaustion can cause an array of side affects, like getting into accidents at work, at home, and even while driving.
Sleep apnea suffers are prone to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Ultimately, because OSA deprives your blood and body of oxygen, it is potentially deadly. Even if snoring is your only symptom, if it’s persistent, it’s worth checking out.
Until recently, the most often used treatment for OSA was a CPAP machine. The problem is that CPAP users are connected to the machine via an attached mask that they must wear over their face as they sleep. As you can imagine, this doesn’t provide the most comfortable nights' sleep. Solutions offered by dentistry, however, are more convenient and comfortable, including Oral Appliance Therapy, which comfortably positions the jaw so you can get a restful night’s sleep.
Did You Know
80% of moderate to severe cases go undiagnosed.
Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes continually blocked during sleep, causing airflow to be reduced or completely stopped. It’s important to contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing this as it can have serious health risks.
Sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing during your sleep which can result in cardiac death. It’s important to find a solution sooner rather than later and not to downplay the seriousness of this condition.
Absolutely, we are here to find the root cause of your sleep apnea and will work to provide the best and most appropriate solution. The American Medical Association and The American Dental Association has mandated that dentists screen every patient for Sleep Apnea because we see patients minimally twice a year.
Sleep apnea never goes away on its own.
With patient education, understanding and compliance, sleep apnea can begin to be corrected the same day of your initial comprehensive clinical examination with Dr. Miller.
It is not uncommon for sleep apnea to cause tension between you and your loved ones. It’s important for everyone in the home to get a good night’s sleep. Although you are not purposely trying to keep your loved ones awake, it’s important to seek help to resolve the problem.
You must contact your insurance provider to find out if they will cover appointments for sleep apnea. Our insurance coordinator can help you.
"I got a pretty cool looking device and I’ve had it for about 3 weeks now, and I love it! I’m sleeping, my wife is sleeping. Quality of life is, I wake up refreshed."