A condition that prevents a person from experiencing proper airflow when sleeping is referred to as sleep apnea. Macon, GA residence may suffer from this condition when they experience a partial blockage of the trachea. This can occur when tissue at the back of the throat collapses during sleep. It ends up reducing the level of oxygen available to be sent to vital organs.
Loud Snoring and Cessation of Breathing
With this condition, patients often snore loudly and may stop breathing for certain, short periods of time. The body tends the wake itself up when oxygen levels fall below critically low level. This may occur many times throughout the night without the patient fully realizing what is happening. It takes away restful sleep from the patient and can result in fatigue and sleepiness during the day.
Other effects of this condition can include impaired concentration, memory loss, irritability, and headaches in the morning. In addition, patients who suffer from sleep apnea are at an elevated risk for suffering strokes and heart problems and are more vulnerable to accidents on the road or in the workplace as a result of impaired concentration.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
When a patient makes an appointment with a dentist who is well-versed in treating sleep apnea, the first step to be taken is a recording of the individual’s sleep patterns for approximately 2 weeks. The dentist will conduct an initial interview to understand the type of breathing disorder at hand. A particular type of test called a polysomnogram may be performed to examine brain waves, heartbeat, breathing, and limb movements while the patient is sleeping.
A dentist who has the right knowledge and in sleep apnea issues will also need to know any underlying conditions that may inhibit the person’s ability to sleep and his or her sleeping patterns, including medical conditions, sleep disorders, and medication and drugs.
Oral appliance therapy (OAT)
Dentists can prescribe oral appliance therapy for patients who only have mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea. This type of treatment involves the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or the fitting of an oral appliance to stop the tongue from collapsing. Certain behavioral changes are also often suggested by the sleep apnea specialist, including changing sleeping posture and/or losing weight.
If you need help with sleeping issues, and suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact an experienced dentist serving the Macon, GA area with a strong track record of experience treating this condition.
