Sleep Apnea Procedures

Welcome to Mountain West Family Dental, your trusted partner in oral health and wellness in Highlands Ranch, CO. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive care that goes beyond just your teeth. One of the areas we specialize in is the treatment of sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects not only your sleep but also your overall health. On this page, you'll find essential information about sleep apnea, its symptoms, and how we c manage and treat it effectively.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can last for several seconds and occur multiple times throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles at the back of your throat relax excessively, causing a blockage in the airway. This blockage reduces or completely stops airflow, which can significantly disrupt your sleep and reduce oxygen levels in your blood.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because it occurs during sleep. However, there are several signs and symptoms to be aware of:

• Loud snoring: Often, this is the most noticeable sign, especially if it is punctuated by periods of silence followed by choking or gasping sounds.
• Daytime fatigue: Even after a full night's sleep, you may feel excessively tired during the day.
• Morning headaches: Frequent headaches upon waking can be a sign of sleep apnea.
• Difficulty concentrating: Poor sleep quality can affect your ability to focus and remember things.
• Irritability and mood swings: Chronic sleep disruption can lead to mood disturbances.
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking: Breathing through the mouth due to a blocked airway can cause dryness and discomfort.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation.

How Mountain West Family Dental Can Help

At Mountain West Family Dental, we offer specialized care for patients suffering from sleep apnea. Our approach focuses on providing non-invasive, comfortable solutions that c breathe easier and sleep better. Here’s how we can assist you:

Oral Appliance Therapy

For many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option. This therapy involves wearing a custom-fitted oral appliance, similar to a mouthguard, while you sleep. The appliance works by repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open, preventing the collapse that leads to apneas.

• Custom Fit: Our team will create a personalized oral appliance that fits comfortably in your mouth and is easy to use.
• Comfort and Convenience: Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are portable, silent, and do not require a power source, making them a popular choice for many patients.
• Effective Results: Oral appliances have been proven to reduce or eliminate snoring and improve sleep quality for many people with sleep apnea.

Collaboration with Sleep Specialists

For more severe cases of sleep apnea or when oral appliance therapy alone is not sufficient, we collaborate closely with sleep specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care. This may include further diagnostic testing, such as a sleep study, or the integration of additional treatments like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a host of serious health issues, including:

• Heart disease: Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeats.
• Stroke: Sleep apnea can significantly raise the risk of stroke.
• Diabetes: There is a strong correlation between sleep apnea and insulin resistance.
• Accidents: Excessive daytime sleepiness increases the likelihood of motor vehicle and workplace accidents.
• Alzheimer’s: There is a growing body of research suggesting a connection between sleep apnea and brain function issues, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Sleep apnea can cause systemic inflammation and damage to blood vessels, including those in the brain. This can contribute to the development of small vessel disease, which is associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

By seeking treatment, you can improve your overall health, enhance your quality of life, and reduce the risk of these potentially life-threatening complications.

Sleep Apnea Treatments

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, don't wait to seek help. At Mountain West Family Dental, we are committed to helping you achieve restful, restorative sleep. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team today to learn more about how we c manage sleep apnea effectively.