Sleep Apnea Device
Sleep Apnea is a serious condition that is defined by interruptions in a person's breathing while they sleep. If left undiagnosed or treated, Sleep Apnea can lead to very serious health conditions as each time you stop breathing, you are depriving your brain of oxygen and you are not getting the proper rest your body requires.
Many people are not aware they are dealing with sleep apnea. They think symptoms such as a sore throat, loud snoring, and problems falling asleep are due to age or stress or other outside factors.
Sleep Apnea can be:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: the most commonly met type of sleep apnea which takes place when the throat muscles relax, causing you to wake suddenly in your sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea: takes place when the patient’s brain does not send the correct signals to the muscles which control the breathing.
Complex Sleep Apnea: also named treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, it is experienced when a patient has the first two types of sleep apnea at the same time.
Effects of Untreated Sleep Apnea
In case a patient suffers from sleep apnea, he or she is at risk of developing various health problems, such as:
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High blood pressure
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Depression
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Stroke
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Heart failure, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeats
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Diabetes
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Headaches
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Stress
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Fatigue
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Worsening of ADHD
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If you think you are suffering from symptoms of Sleep Apnea such as headaches, sore throat, fatigue, restlessness, forgetfulness, or loud snoring, please come in for a consultation. Your dentist will then discuss treatment plans that are suitable for you.
Treatment Plans Include:
CPAP
The CPAP machine has a mask that gently covers the patient's face while a machine blows air consistently into the throat to keep the airways open and prevent them from closure and waking suddenly.
CPAP presents many advantages, such as:
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Noninvasive
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Efficient at regulating the breathing so that the conditions does not take place
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It can be cleaned easily
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Covered by insurance companies
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Therapy can be begun soon after the diagnosis
MAD Appliance
The MAD appliance for obstructive sleep apnea is similar to mouth guards used for athletes. This appliance snaps over the upper and lower dental arches and is endowed with metal hinges which enable the inferior jaw to be eased forward.
Sleep apnea appliances such as MAD present numerous benefits, including:
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Noninvasive
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Covered by insurance companies
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Generally more appropriate for milder obstructive sleep apnea and snoring
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They can be cleaned easily
Do you need further information about Sleep Apnea? Our dental office team is willing to assist you. Call us at (714) 848-2277 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sam Ayoub.
