Do you experience chronic snoring or find yourself suffering from frequent daytime drowsiness? These are common symptoms of a serious sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. In today’s blog, your Allen periodontist, Dr. Marco Cueva, answers your questions about sleep apnea and discusses a minimally invasive treatment option.
Sleep Apnea Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Answer: For some people, the soft tissue in the back of the throat may block airflow during sleep. When this happens, the brain becomes deprived of oxygen. As a result, the brain wakes the patient to start breathing again. In severe cases, patients experience this process hundreds of times every night.
Question: How do I know if I suffer from sleep apnea?
Answer: In addition to snoring and daytime drowsiness, other symptoms of sleep apnea include: Waking up choking or gasping for air, depression, irritability, and an inability to focus at work or school.
Question: What health risks are associated with sleep apnea?
Answer: Without treatment, sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
Question: What treatment does Dr. Cueva offer for sleep apnea?
Answer: In many cases, patients will receive an oral appliance. This oral splint will be similar to a night guard and worn while the patient sleeps. The device moves the jaw forward to prevent the soft tissue from obstructing airflow. This allows easy breathing and reduces sleep apnea symptoms. Patients may also make simple lifestyle changes to address sleep apnea, including losing weight and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Allen TX Periodontist
Do you exhibit one or more signs of obstructive sleep apnea? If so, contact your Allen TX periodontist today. Dr. Cueva will diagnose your sleep disorder and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. At Periodontic Excellence, we offer the latest in treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cueva by calling our 75013 dentist office at (972) 390-9944 today. We proudly welcome patients from Allen, Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Frisco, Fairview, Murphy, Wylie, Lewisville, Carrolton, and surrounding communities.
