Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Dental Partners of Vero Beach Has A Solution

Dental Partners of Vero Beach provides sleep apnea services in Vero Beach, FL. Call 772-569-4118 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea can take years to diagnose, as many patients are completely unaware that they have it. They struggle with exhaustion and never wake up feeling well-rested, but they don’t realize it’s because they’re not breathing properly when they sleep. Patients with sleep apnea snore loudly and stop breathing at night because the soft tissues in their airways become narrowed or blocked. Each time the airway becomes obstructed, the body jolts out of sleep; patients don’t recall waking up, but the result is that achieving a deep, restorative sleep is impossible.

Why Is Sleep Apnea A Problem?

If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, it’s important to seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible. Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition, resulting in high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack, and possibly stroke if left untreated. Other conditions associated with obstructive sleep apnea include glaucoma, weight gain, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, and morning headaches. Chronic exhaustion makes it difficult to focus on work, leaves you at higher risk of automotive accidents, and prevents you from leading the active life you want to lead.

Why Should You See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea can often be treated simply by repositioning the lower jaw during sleep. This can be achieved with a specialized night guard. These night guards are more comfortable and less cumbersome than CPAP machines, and because they’re non-invasive, they’re preferable to surgical treatments as well. With sleep apnea treatment, you’ll feel like a new you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?

Snoring and constant tiredness are the two most common warning signs of sleep apnea. Patients with sleep apnea never wake up feeling well-rested. They’re so tired that they have trouble focusing and may even nod off during the day. Most of the time, people don’t realize they’re waking up when their airways are obstructed, but some patients do notice themselves waking and choking or gasping for air, which is another warning sign that something is wrong.

How can I stop sleep apnea?

A specialized night guard is a great, non-invasive option to help reposition your jaw and keep your airway open through the night to stop sleep apnea. There are also lifestyle changes that, while less immediate, can help too. These include losing weight and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

How can I improve my sleep apnea without CPAP?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is certainly one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea, but the benefit of going to a dentist for sleep apnea is that we don’t use CPAP machines as our first line of treatment, as they are costly and uncomfortable. A specialized night guard that repositions the lower jaw also keeps the airway open, but without the downsides of a CPAP machine.

Can sleep apnea be cured completely?

Lifestyle changes, like weight loss, can cure sleep apnea completely. Night guards and CPAP machines are considered treatments, not cures, as sleep apnea comes back once a patient stops using these therapies. The best way to combat sleep apnea is with a combination of short-term treatments and long-term lifestyle changes.

Call (772) 569-4118 to schedule your appointment.