Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes the patient to repeatedly stop breathing throughout the night. Though this is often a nuisance that causes snoring and other minor issues, it can actually be quite serious. There are several different types of sleep apnea and the exact treatment plan will be customized for you based on which type of sleep apnea you have. At Leavenworth Family Dental, we can assist you no matter what type of sleep apnea you have.Types of Sleep ApneaSleep apnea comes in one of three forms. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. This is when the tissue in your throat relaxes and physically blocks your airway. Snoring is a common symptom for people with obstructive sleep apnea. On the other hand, snoring is rare among people with central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is a condition in which the patient's brain fails to communicate with the muscles involved in breathing. You can also have both types simultaneously in a form called complex sleep apnea. Besides snoring, there are other symptoms to look for so that you can detect issues even if you do not have obstructive sleep apnea. These symptoms include choking or gasping throughout the night, shortness of breath, fatigue, dry mouth, sore throat, frequent bathroom use throughout the night, mood changes, headaches, and sexual dysfunction. Self-CareWe will develop a custom treatment plan for you at our office. However, there are various lifestyle changes that many of our patients find useful. For instance, health can contribute heavily to the presence of sleep apnea. Smoking, alcohol, and substance use, obesity, caffeine, and heavy nighttime meals can cause breathing and sleep issues. Live a healthier lifestyle by avoiding substance use, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and maintaining a normal sleep routine. TreatmentObstructive sleep apnea can be treated with breathing devices or surgery. A CPAP (continuous positive airflow pressure) machine is the most common piece of equipment used to treat sleep apnea. Other oral appliances, such as a retainer or nightguard, can help as well by repositioning the jaw to ensure that the airway stays open. Implants, such as a sleep apnea pacemaker, can be used to stimulate the muscles in order to keep the airway open. Surgery can also be used to remove or manipulate tissue in order to make the airway larger. CPAP machines can also be used to treat central sleep apnea. In addition, we can also use adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP). ASV stabilizes air pressure for each breath while BPAP stabilizes the pressure when you naturally inhale a different pressure than you exhale. Other supplemental oxygen machines are also available. Medications and treatment of underlying medical issues, such as cardiac problems, may be used as well. Complex sleep apnea can be a bit more difficult to treat since it can have many different causes. So, you may need to try several treatment options before you find one that really works for you. We usually use a combination of treatment methods for this. Call Leavenworth Family Dental at 913-682-1550 for more information on sleep apnea. |
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