In the United States, approximately 25 million adults have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a chronic condition that causes individuals to pause breathing hundreds of times a night. Sleep apnea occurs when muscles relax during sleep, allowing soft tissues to collapse and block the airway.
During periods of apnea, breathing pauses are followed by brief awakenings that disturb sleep. Common signs of OSA, the most common type of sleep apnea, include gasping, snoring, or choking sounds during sleep. At Integrated Dental, Dr. Melvin Benson helps patients with sleep apnea. Learn more about how he can spot and address sleep apnea in his Sarasota, FL, dental office. In addition to providing sleep apnea treatments, Dr. Benson offers many restorative dentistry services to new and existing patients.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Common signs of obstructive sleep apnea often include:
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Daytime sleepiness
Sleep apnea is more common in men, but having a narrow airway, misaligned jaw, and excess body weight all increase risk of sleep apnea. Additionally, sleep apnea can raise the risk for serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic acid reflux, stroke, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction if left untreated.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Sarasota
There is a range of treatment options for sleep apnea, including oral appliance therapy, CPAP therapy, and surgery. Together, we help decide which treatment option best suits your needs and health.
Oral appliances are similar to mouthguards because they cover teeth. However, they differ from mouthguards because they have an added metal hinge that moves the lower jaw forward. Moving the jaw opens up the airway.
Patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea will benefit more from a CPAP machine. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delivers air through a mask or nosepiece worn during sleep. If a patient has severe sleep apnea symptoms, we will refer them to a specialist for surgery. Sometimes, patients will require surgery to reposition tissues in the throat.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you have any symptoms of sleep apnea? Call our dental office today at 941-270-9755. On our website, you may also request a dental appointment with Dr. Benson. Let our team know if you have questions about your symptoms, and we can help you.