Aquila Dental, Chandler, AZ
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious medical condition (sleep disorder) in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Leaving sleep apnea untreated can cause serious health issues including narcolepsy, heart disease, heart failure and premature death. Risk factors include age, genetics, and obesity. Sleep apnea tends to be more common in men, however many women across the globe also suffer from sleep apnea.
Though anyone could potentially develop sleep apnea, individuals suffering from heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and diabetes type 2 have an increased risk in developing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can also cause or worsen other diseases and chronic health conditions. Sleep apnea is also directly connected to hypertension (high blood pressure) glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, weight gain, heart failure and stroke.
Symptoms include snoring loudly, waking up abruptly in the night, choking or gasping, and feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep. Patients might wake up with a sore throat, dry mouth, or a headache. Mood swings, particularly depression and irritability, along with trouble concentrating can also be signs of sleep apnea.
Oral signs and symptoms include redness of the throat and soft palate, teeth grinding or clenching, tooth wear, excessive bone development (torus), and enlarged tongue. Treatment often includes lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, and the use of a breathing assistance device at night, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or an oral sleep appliance if it is a mild form of sleep apnea.
Patients with more mild sleep apnea symptoms can often benefit from the oral device that we make for them in the office. This device works by opening the airway, which makes it easier for you to breathe while you sleep. We will go over your health and medical history to ensure that treatment is right for you. If you have sleep apnea, it is important to consider treatment to improve your quality of life.
The first step at Aquila Dental is diagnosing sleep apnea with the help of a sophisticated system available in the office and/or a take home sleep study kit. Once diagnosed Dr. Rich Higgs decides based on the severity whether a sleep specialist is needed or if the patient can be treated with a comfortable oral device available at Aquila Dental.
In the case of mild sleep apnea you will come into the office and one of our qualified staff members at Aquila Dental will take impressions of your mouth and teeth. These molds are then used to make the appliance that you’ll wear. We will have the appliance fitted and adjusted as needed. You should wear the device each night in order for it to work effectively at treating your sleep apnea. We can replace the device as it begins to wear or become damaged.
Sleep apnea patients find that the oral devices we offer are incredibly comfortable and highly effective at treating the condition. The devices work by opening the airway, which makes it easier for you to breathe while you sleep. We will go over your health and medical history to ensure that treatment at Aquila Dental is safe and effective for you. If you have sleep apnea, it is important to consider treatment to improve your quality of life.
Some wonderful side effects of getting treatment for sleep apnea is that you will have more energy, experience less daytime sleepiness, and think more clearly. Often patients report weight-loss after receiving treatment.
As mentioned above untreated sleep apnea, even the mildest form could be the cause of narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness), chronic fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and irritability, just to name a few. If you want to learn more about sleep apnea and treatment, contact us today so that our helpful staff members can answer all of your questions and to schedule your visit. We are located at 3175 S Price Rd, Ste 140 in Chandler, Arizona.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that can seriously impact your way of life. Because you’re not sleeping properly, you’ll find that you are too exhausted to do anything throughout the day. You may even find yourself falling asleep on the job or when trying to spend time with your loved ones. The loud snoring at night can even be disruptive to your loved ones, causing them to stay awake as well.
Patients with more mild sleep apnea symptoms can often benefit from the oral device that we make for them in the office. This device works by opening the airway, which makes it easier for you to breathe while you sleep. We will go over your health and medical history to ensure that treatment is right for you. If you have sleep apnea, it is important to consider treatment to improve your quality of life.
We will take impressions of your mouth and teeth. These molds are then used to make the appliance that you’ll wear. You will come into the office to have the appliance fitted and adjusted as needed. You should wear the device each night in order for it to work effectively at treating your sleep apnea. We can then replace the device as it begins to wear or become damaged. Sleep apnea patients find that these oral devices are incredibly comfortable and highly effective at treating the condition.
If you want to learn more about sleep apnea treatment, call us today so that our helpful staff members can answer all of your questions.
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