Question: What is sleep apnea?
Answer: Sleep Apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder during which you experience periods of lapses in your breathing.
Question: What are breathing lapses?
Answer: Breathing lapse are temporary suspensions of breathing while you sleep. You actually stop breathing for seconds, or sometimes a minute at a time. This can happen from one to several times a night.
Question: How dangerous is sleep apnea?
Answer: Any suspension of breathing can be dangerous. Sleep apnea can lead to other serious health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack and stroke.
Question: Does sleep apnea present symptoms that I can be aware of?
Answer: Yes. A variety of symptoms are associated with sleep apnea including: loud, excessive snoring; frequent wakefulness; gasping, snorting, and choking during sleep. Daytime symptoms include, but are not limited to: lack of concentration, irritability, sleepiness, and falling asleep while driving.
Question: What causes sleep apnea?
Answer: Sleep apnea can be caused by the obstruction of your airway due to soft palate. Your soft palate is the top fleshy part of your mouth in the back near your throat. If it is too thick and fleshy, when it relaxes it hangs down and vibrates (snoring) or it can completely block your breathing for seconds at a time (sleep apnea).
Question: How can dentists treat this condition?
Answer: Your dentist can prescribe one of two treatments: A somnomed appliance which is custom-fit to your mouth to reposition your jaw and tongue opening your airway; or a CPAP machine which delivers a steady flow of oxygen via a face mask.
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.
As the end of the year approaches, it's time to take a closer look at…
Halloween is a thrilling time for children, filled with costumes, candy, and spooky adventures. However,…
Did you know that dental care plays a crucial role in ensuring your baby's safety…
September is not just about back-to-school and the changing of seasons; it's also Gum Care…
Unveiling Hidden Clues: How Dentists Detect Vision Problems During Routine Exams When you think of…
Hey there, students and parents! As we gear up for another exciting academic year, it's…