Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by brief pauses in breathing while sleeping due to the airway being temporarily blocked. These interruptions in breathing can interfere with your ability to sleep soundly, which can leave you feeling unrested upon waking. Different therapies are available for treating sleep apnea so you can finally enjoy a full night’s sleep. We provide sleep apnea therapy at our dental office in Troy, NC, where Dr. Johnny McKinnon can explain your treatment options.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Patients with sleep apnea do not always realize they have the condition. Several symptoms are associated with sleep apnea so if you regularly experience any of them while sleeping, that could be an indication that you have the condition. Symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Choking sounds
- Gasping for breath
- Brief pauses in breathing
- Headaches after waking
- Feeling unrested upon waking
- Feeling sleepy or fatigued throughout the day
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Feeling irritable throughout the day
Some individuals are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Risk factors include being overweight, having high blood pressure, being middle-aged, and having a family history of sleep apnea. Additionally, men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Several methods exist for treating sleep apnea. Two common options include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and oral appliance therapy. CPAP involves the use of a cumbersome machine and mask to keep the airway open while sleeping. Oral appliance therapy utilizes a device similar to a retainer or mouthguard that is worn in the mouth to keep the airway from being blocked. Some oral appliances prevent the tongue from rolling back and blocking the airway, while others hold the lower jaw in a stable position.
Another approach to treating sleep apnea is oral surgery. We utilize several sleep apnea therapy procedures at our office in Troy, NC. One method involves the removal of excess tissue in the throat. This therapy is beneficial when the tissues tend to vibrate and block the upper air passages. Removing the excess tissue helps keep the airway open so breathing is not interrupted.
Another surgical method for treating sleep apnea focuses on the jaw and moving it slightly forward to create more room behind the soft palate so the airway does not become obstructed when sleeping. One other option is a tracheostomy, in which a breathing tube is inserted in the throat. The tube remains covered during the day, but opens at night to help you breathe while sleeping. The skilled dentist at our office in Troy, NC, can explain our sleep apnea therapy options and recommend a specific procedure for treating your condition.
We offer sleep apnea therapy to help you achieve more restful sleep. Schedule an appointment with Dr. McKinnon to learn more about sleep apnea therapy by calling our office in Troy, NC, at (910) 439-9744.