Do you or your partner snore?
Not only is snoring a disruptive habit, but it can also be an indication of a more serious health condition called sleep apnea. When the airway is blocked or partially blocked by collapsing soft tissue, air pushes through and creates vibration in the soft tissue which leads to snoring. It is important to undergo the proper testing to determine if snoring is an indication of a more serious health concern such as sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea.
At Plantation Road Dental Care, Dr. Melanie Andrews offers treatment for patients with sleep apnea. Dr. Andrews work with patients on an individual basis to help manage sleep apnea and improve quality of sleep.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is categorized as a sleep disorder that causes a lapse in breathing throughout the sleep cycle. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles relax during sleep, allowing the soft tissue in the mouth and throat to collapse and block the airway. When the airway is blocked, there is a lack of oxygen in the body. A lack of oxygen can have detrimental effects on the major organs and can negatively impact your overall health and daily quality of life. If left untreated, sleep can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, or other systemic health issues.
It is important to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and report if you notice any changes in your quality of sleep with a professional.
Signs of Sleep Apnea:
- Snoring
- Irritability, moodiness
- Fatigue, feeling groggy
- Headaches (especially in the morning)
- Difficulty concentrating
Sometimes the symptoms of sleep apnea can mimic other health concerns. In most cases, we will work with a patient’s physician to ensure they receive a proper medical diagnosis and sleep study.
Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea:
Anyone is at risk for developing sleep apnea; however, there are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Patients can discuss their risks with our team.
- Male
- Obesity
- Age: older adults are more likely to develop sleep apnea
- Being Diabetic
- Smoking and tobacco use
Treatment For Sleep Apnea in Destrehan, LA
For patients who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, we can work with you to coordinate the necessary sleep study testing and diagnosis with a physician. The kind of treatment you will need will depend on the severity of sleep apnea and your overall health. Our team can work with you to determine if an oral sleep appliance, which is similar to a custom mouthguard, is an ideal solution for treating your sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy is an alternative to thte CPAP and can be effective for patients with diagnosed mild to moderate sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing and those who are intolreant of the CPAP.
If you suspect you or someone you know has developed sleep apnea, contact our Destrena, LA dentist office. To schedule an appointment, call(985) 231-2770 or request an appointment online.