Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Jaffrey, NH

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from sleep apnea, you understand how disruptive it can be. You constantly feel tired, but sleep apnea can also lead to other health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

If you are looking for a way to relieve your sleep apnea symptoms, consider visiting our dentist in Jaffrey, NH. A dentist can provide a range of dental treatments to help ease sleep apnea symptoms.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that happens when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Those who suffer from sleep apnea snore loudly and frequently wake up gasping for air. Sleep apnea causes daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and other health problems.

There are three types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway. This is usually due to an anatomical issue.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. This form is a neurological issue rather than a lifestyle or anatomical problem.

Mixed Sleep Apnea

Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. Those with mixed sleep apnea could see various symptoms and may have several causes.

What are the causes of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea can also be caused by several other factors, including anatomic abnormalities, nervous system disorders, and certain medications. In some cases, sleep apnea may also be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.

No matter what the cause is, sleep apnea can have serious consequences. People with this condition are at risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, and other health problems.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Obstructive sleep apnea treatment varies based on your needs, risk factors, and overall health. One common approach is using a CPAP machine, which delivers a continuous stream of air to the lungs and helps prevent pauses in breathing. Another option is surgery, which can help to improve airflow and reduce the risk of apnea episodes. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as losing weight and quitting smoking can also help to improve sleep apnea symptoms.

Dental Appliances Can Treat Sleep Apnea

A treatment option many people may not consider is an oral appliance. For example, some problems with breathing and snoring at night can be relieved with a nightguard, a device that keeps your teeth and jaws positioned.

Nightguards allow for better breathing and prevent tooth grinding and jaw clenching that can lead to pain and strain in the face and jaw, plus headaches and migraines. Check with your dental insurance provider, as most major insurance providers may cover part of the cost of a dental appliance.

Dental appliances have helped many patients get a good night’s sleep. Our dentist will make a dental impression on your teeth and send them to a lab. The lab will create your mouthguard, typically ready in a few days or a few weeks. Once our dentist receives it, you will try it on to ensure it fits appropriately.

With proper treatment, people with sleep apnea can enjoy restful nights and improved energy levels during the day.

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Patients can see various benefits from sleep apnea treatment, including,

A peaceful night’s rest
Improvement to your overall health
Reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Improvement to daily lifestyle.

Signs That You Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can show several signs. For example, if you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or experience daytime fatigue, you should see a doctor or dentist to be evaluated for sleep apnea. In addition, visit a doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other risk factors related to sleep apnea. If left untreated, you can see profound health implications in the future.

The first step is to see your doctor for an evaluation if you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea. They will evaluate your health and sleep apnea history to determine the root cause and best treatment option.