It is currently estimated that about one in 15 Americans has sleep apnea. The sleep disorder causes breathing to cease intermittently during the night. Most patients living with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Due to the condition's potential health risks, it is important to seek help from a sleep dentist. One option that they might recommend is the continuous positive airway pressure device, also known as a CPAP machine.
During sleep, the airways, consisting of the nose, throat, and windpipe, stay open to ensure a free flow of air in and out of the lungs. For those dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, the airways narrow or close fully, preventing free airflow and disrupting normal breathing patterns.
Reduced airflow to the lungs causes the blood's oxygen level to drop, forcing the brain to disrupt sleep and reopen the airway. The wake-up can last for a few seconds and can happen between one to 100 times per hour. Noticeable symptoms of sleep apnea occur when sleeping: heavy snoring and gasping for breath. Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed unless a sleeping partner or family member notices the disrupted sleeping pattern.
Other symptoms, like daytime sleepiness, irritability, and headaches, may be dismissed as not getting enough sleep. Sleep apnea can lead to hypertension, feelings of depression, low productivity, and even automobile accidents due to sleepiness or loss of concentration. These issues cannot be solved by sleeping more. Anyone experiencing these symptoms needs to visit a sleep dentist for professional help as soon as possible.
One of the options that the sleep dentist might recommend for treating sleep apnea is a CPAP machine. The machine comprises a pump that delivers positive air pressure via a mask that is fitted over the nose and mouth. The device controls air pressure to keep the airway open; the sensation is similar to blowing a balloon.
The CPAP machine is effective if used properly. The challenge is its noisiness and intrusiveness, which makes it uncomfortable for many patients. Most people do not want to use them, hence the low compliance rate, and choose to take their chances with sleep apnea risks than use the machine.
Therefore, the sleep dentist may decide to fabricate an oral device instead. Patients who do not get significant results from using an oral appliance alone may discover that using it in combination with the CPAP machine makes the treatment more tolerable. The custom-made oral device, like a mandibular advancement device, makes it possible to use the CPAP at a much lower pressure setting.
Before recommending any treatments for sleep apnea, the sleep dentist will first perform an examination on the patient. To learn more about dental sleep medicine and the options available, book an appointment with the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentalsleepsolutionsgroup.com or call Dental Sleep Solutions Group at (530) 727-6080 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.
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