Sleep Apnea Do you or a loved one suffer from Sleep Apnea? Do you snore loudly or find yourself overly tired during the day? Or do you already have a CPAP machine you can’t stand to use? Sleep disorders are much more common than you may think. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep apnea affects more than 18 million Americans. Many people may not know they suffer from sleep apnea until their symptoms are reported by a sleep partner. This means the real figure could be much higher. Sleep disorders are known to be associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, and many other systemic health issues that can seriously affect your general health and well-being. If you think you may have sleep apnea, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, due to the serious nature of the disorder. As a dentist, Dr. Bartholomew is uniquely qualified to fabricate oral appliances that can improve your sleep without the use of drugs or invasive surgery. An oral appliance can provide you with safer and more restful sleep, which can in turn improve your general health. Dr. Bartholomew has taken extensive training with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine in order to provide these services for his patients. What Is Sleep Apnea?Sleep apnea is characterized by the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain does not send the proper signals to your breathing muscles. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. If you have been told you snore loudly, or feel tired even after a full night's sleep, you may have sleep apnea. If you suspect you have some form of sleep apnea, consider speaking with your physician about a sleep study. Dr. Bartholomew can work with you and your physician to make the best treatment plan for your sleep disorder. Other symptoms include:
Causes of Obstructive Sleep ApneaObstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. When the muscles relax, your airway narrows as you inhale. In some cases, it may even close. This prevents you from getting enough air, which lowers the oxygen level in your blood. When this happens, the brain sends signals that briefly wake you up to reopen your airway. Most of the time, this is too brief to remember. This pattern can repeat multiple times per hour, all night, preventing you from achieving deep, restful sleep. How Does an Oral Appliance work?An oral appliance is typically used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. It works by keeping your jaw and tongue in a forward position, which prevents them from blocking your airway, even after the muscles fully relax. The appliance, similar to a retainer, clamps on to the teeth in your upper and lower jaws. In some cases, the upper and lower portions are connected with a tube that keeps your lower jaw, chin, and tongue in a forward position. With these parts pushed forward, the airway is kept open, allowing you to breathe properly during every stage of sleep. Oral appliances are considered easier to use than other options, such as CPAP machines. To fabricate your device, we will take a digital impression of your teeth and gums. This ensures your custom-fit appliance will be precise, comfortable, and effective. It can also protect your teeth from the harmful effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding). Schedule Your Consultation AppointmentIf you think you may have sleep apnea, we can help! Call (336) 283-2593 to schedule your consultation appointment today! |
Contact Information1341 Westgate Center Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27103-3043 (336) 283-2593 gandbdentistry@aspidamail.com Follow Us |
