Overcome Sleep Apnea and Chronic Snoring with Effective Treatment from Neal Edwards DDS
Just about everyone snores occasionally. It’s estimated that about 25% and 40% of women and men, respectively, are habitual snorers. Although snoring might seem like a harmless habit or a mere nuisance to your sleeping partner, it can be a sign of sleep apnea — a severe sleep-disordered breathing condition that results in cessation of breathing when sleeping.
Sleep apnea not only disrupts your sleep. It can put you at risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression and other health complications. Sleep apnea isn’t a condition that should be taken lightly. Patients suspecting this condition should book an appointment with Neal Edwards DDS, in Riverside, California, for effective treatment before things get out of control.
What is sleep apnea?
The word “apnea” means “without breath.” Patients with sleep apnea stop breathing when sleeping. While this stoppage in breathing lasts for a few seconds, these episodes may happen several times in a night.
But why does breathing stop? Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience blocked airways when the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse. Some patients suffer from central sleep apnea (CSA), where the brain fails to send the right signals to the breathing muscles. Although rare, some patients suffer from both types of sleep apnea.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
Chronic snoring is the hallmark symptom of sleep apnea. However, because the body doesn’t receive the much-needed oxygen when sleeping, sleep apnea patients may experience symptoms like:
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a sore throat
- Lack of sleep (insomnia)
- Loss of libido
- Poor concentration
- Daytime fatigue
How we treat sleep apnea
The standard treatment for sleep apnea has always been a CPAP device. However, many patients find CPAPs irritating, noisy, and cumbersome; hence drop them halfway through treatment. Instead of CPAPs, Dr. Neal Edwards has a simple, non-invasive treatment. We use a customized mouthpiece (oral appliance therapy) to combat sleep apnea.
A dental splint works by repositioning your lower jaw and keeping your airway open when sleeping. This results in reduced snoring and more restful, restorative sleep. When your body gets enough sleep and oxygen, this reduces the risk of health complications.
Schedule an appointment with a sleep apnea dentist today!
Losing the battle with sleep apnea? Can’t tolerate a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea? Please dial (951) 614-0033 to book an appointment with Neal Edwards DDS. Dr. Neal Edwards treats sleep apnea with a simple, easy-to-use dental device.
FAQs
How do I know I have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder that interrupts breathing when sleeping. Sleep apnea can be obstructive, central, or a combination of both. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. It occurs when the upper airway is blocked when soft tissues at the throat relax too much when sleeping. When the brain senses oxygen deprivation, it awakens the body enough to restore breathing. Although the awakenings happen so briefly that you may not realize it, they can recur up to a hundred times a night, disrupting your sleep quality.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Persistent sleep and oxygen deprivation cause several symptoms, including:
- Raucous snoring, although not every OSA sufferer snores
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness despite sleeping for 7-8 hours
- Morning headaches
- Gasping or choking for air when sleeping
- Poor concentration or irritability
- Waking up with a sore throat
- Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
Untreated sleep apnea causes more than the above symptoms. OSA can lead to serious health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Poor concentration increases the risk of road and workplace accidents, and some can be fatal.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
During routine dental exams, dentists recognize signs of sleep apnea, like enlarged tonsils, and send you to a sleep specialist to confirm the diagnosis. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a sleep study, which can be done in a sleep lab or at home.
Is CPAP the only treatment for sleep apnea?
No! CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea. It uses a machine to deliver a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping your airway open while you sleep.
While CPAP is the most common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea, many patients find relief with oral appliances or other alternative treatments. If you can’t tolerate CPAP therapy, talk to your doctor to recommend alternatives.
How do we treat sleep apnea?
Many patients seek our help because they struggle with CPAP therapy. Our solution is different. We use a small, comfortable oral device that easily fits in your pocket. This oral device is worn at night when sleeping. It suppresses the tongue and repositions the lower jaw to keep the airway unobstructed when sleeping.
There is no universal cure for sleep apnea. However, oral appliance therapy significantly reduces symptoms and improves sleep quality.
What are the benefits of oral appliances for sleep apnea?
Our sleep apnea appliances are customized after taking impressions of your dentition. This customized fit ensures your nightguard fits comfortably when sleeping. Many patients only need a few days to get used to the nightguard when sleeping.
Here are the benefits of oral appliance therapy (OAT).
- Easy to use and maintain
- They are easily portable
- Noiseless treatment
- Discreet treatment
- It’s effective for mild to moderate OSA
Does my local dentist near Riverside treat sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea affects more than your sleep—it affects your quality of life and overall health. Don’t wait another day to treat sleep apnea. Call (951) 614-0033 and start your treatment at Neal Edwards DDS. Let’s help you sleep soundly and wake up energized.
