Snoring is one of the obvious symptoms of sleep apnea, a potentially fatal condition in which a person stops breathing while asleep, often for as long as 10 seconds and upward of 20 times per hour.
The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is caused by an airway blockage, such as the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat or tongue movement. Although many people may not consider sleep apnea a dental problem, it can be effectively treated with oral appliances.
The Pittsburgh area neuromuscular dentist at Dentonics have helped numerous patients—and their partners who are awakened by loud snoring—restore healthy, uninterrupted sleep. If not treated, sleep apnea can result in daytime drowsiness and lead to severe health problems including high blood pressure and an increased risk for stroke.
Am I at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
While anyone, regardless of gender or age, can develop OSA, there are factors that indicate an increased risk for sleep apnea including:
- Deviated septum or nasal obstructions
- Obesity
- Family history of sleep apnea
- High blood pressure
- Regular alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Regular use of sedatives
Fortunately, there are a number of sleep apnea treatment choices, such as oral appliances and the new Micr02 sleep and snore device. Your thorough exam with a Pittsburgh sleep apnea dentist at Dentonics will determine the best solution for you; if necessary, we can refer you to a sleep center for further evaluation.
Contact a Sleep Apnea Dentist Today!
If you live in the Pittsburgh, Hampton Township or Allison Park, Pa., areas and would like to learn more about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, please contact Dentonics to schedule your personal consultation with or Dr. Charles Frye. We would love to meet you and set you and your partner back on the path to a good night’s sleep.