Snoring and Sleep Apnea Solutions
Snoring and sleep apnea are two of the most common sleep disorders. The position of the jaws and related structures influence the development of sleep apnea. Not many people would even think of seeking out a dentist for treatment however a dentist is a key professional in the diagnosis and treatment for selective cases. The dentists at Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry having experince treating sleep apnea using oral appliances.
Snoring by itself is generally not a health problem, however, it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients who suffer from OSA repeatedly stop breathing while they sleep. The prevalence of sleep apnea increases with age. As many as 50% of elderly men and women suffer from the disorder.
OSA occurs when a person stops breathing due to an obstruction in the upper airway. This is caused when the muscles in the back of the throat completely relax and then air is not able to pass through. Once this happens, signals that breathing has stopped are sent to the brain and the person will make up momentarily to open the airway back up. Breathing stops for about ten seconds or longer during a single episode but a person can have many episodes during sleep.
Signs & Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
When you visit Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White, we will review your medical history and discuss some of the signs that could indicate a sleep breathing disorder. Common signs include:
- Daytime sleepiness and the tendency to fall asleep while reading, watching television, or driving
- Loud snoring
- Gasping while sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Problems with concentration, mood, and mental clarity
Diagnosing a Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder
Diagnosing a sleep-related breathing disorder such as OSA typically involves the dentist as well as the patient’s physician and/or other specialists. Diagnostic imaging such as x-rays may be done to examine the airway and look for signs of blockage. We may recommend a sleep study to evaluate your quality of sleep.
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea at our Dentist Office
Treatment for OSA will vary based on individual diagnosis. Certain lifestyle changes can help to alleviate the symptoms of OSA including weight loss, smoking cessation, and eliminating alcohol and sedative use. The CPAP is the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea but often has a poor compliance level, because people often find it to be uncomfortable and intrusive while sleeping.
An oral appliance has shown to be the preferred treatment among most patients. An oral appliance is small, discreet, and comfortable to wear. Dr. Furgurson can fabricate a custom-made sleep apnea appliance, similar to a sports mouthguard, for you to wear during sleep.
An oral appliance works by keeping the airway open to allow for proper airflow. It will reposition the jaw and tongue in a forward position. This way the soft tissues do not obstruct the airway. You will be able to experience a full night’s sleep and wake up feeling well-rested if worn properly and regularly.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea FAQs
How do I know if I have sleep apnea or just snoring issues?
Patients with sleep apnea physically stop breathing for anywhere between a few seconds to minutes while sleeping. It is usually followed by gasping for air, or snorting. A cause of snoring is blocked airways, however it does not prevent breathing.
What is the best position to sleep if you have sleep apnea?
The best position to sleep with sleep apnea is on your right side, with your head slightly up. This encourages air and blood flow through the body and aligns your esophagus to relax your muscles.
How do you get rid of sleep apnea snoring?
The most common way to get rid of sleep apnea snoring is to wear a CPAP machine. CPAP helps air make its way to the lungs through a pressurized mask, and helps prevent snoring caused by sleep apnea. Your dentist can also provide you with a custom night guard as an alternative to the CPAP machine.
What foods cause sleep apnea?
Patients with sleep apnea should avoid eating bananas, dairy, alcohol, and fatty meats. These foods may produce excess mucus in the body which may block airflow. Patients with sleep apnea are all advised to eat their last meal at least 2 hours before bed. This ensures that their body has time to digest before sleep.
What can untreated sleep apnea cause?
If sleep apnea goes untreated it can cause a variety of health issues. These include heart failure, heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, and obesity. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, call our office today to schedule a consultation. We can help you!
How many apneas per hour is severe?
The average patient with sleep apnea suffers from 10-15 apneas per hour, however patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea may experience over 30 apneas per hour. The number of apneas a patient may have per hour is classified and dependent on severity.
Schedule a Restorative Consultation
Dr. Furgurson has your solution for sleep apnea in Durham, NC and Chapel Hill. Our comprehensive treatments have helped alleviate many symptoms of sleep apnea for patients in Durham County and surrounding areas. Give us a call to schedule a restorative consultation today.