Comprehensive Sleep Apnea Management at Dillard Dental Services
Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous and often life-threatening sleeping disorder that causes a person’s breathing to stop and start repeatedly while sleeping. At Dillard Dental Services, we not only offer obstructive sleep apnea treatment with oral appliance therapy but also provide home sleep testing to diagnose this condition. Nashville, Tennessee, area patients are encouraged to call Dr. Leslie Dillard and her team to learn more about where to start.
What happens with obstructive sleep apnea?
Breathing pauses caused by sleep apnea can last for a few seconds to a minute, depending upon the severity of the condition. These pauses in breathing result in decreased oxygen reaching your organs and brain.
When the brain senses this imbalance in the bloodstream, it sends signals to the body, forcing it to wake up and breathe. People who suffer from sleep apnea cannot enter deep sleep because this repeatedly occurs throughout the night.
Sleep apnea has two known types. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not effectively send signals to muscles that control breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the body tries to breathe, but little or no air can pass through the nose or mouth into the lungs. Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common type, and once you have been diagnosed with it, a dentist can successfully treat it.
What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
Some commonly experienced symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are morning headaches, tired or sleepy during the day, and difficulty concentrating. Dentists can make a custom oral appliance to treat sleep apnea if recommended or approved by your physician.
Why should I get treated for obstructive sleep apnea?
If you think you have sleep apnea, getting it treated as soon as possible is important. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, and even diabetes. Most importantly, sleep apnea can stop breathing altogether, making it a life-threatening disorder.
Will oral appliance therapy help with obstructive sleep apnea?
An oral appliance for sleep apnea can hold the lower jaw slightly forward, preventing your tongue from blocking the airway. These devices are not only comfortable to wear but can also save you from surgical solutions. They are readily available at Dillard Dental Services for those who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and want to seek a treatment alternative to CPAP machines.
Schedule a visit today!
Whether you already have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea or want to schedule a home sleep study to test for it, we invite you to call Dillard Dental Services of Nashville, Tennessee. Call (615) 541-4722 to schedule your visit with our team today!