When you think of sleep apnea, you likely imagine sleeping or breathing difficulties during the night, but it is a far more severe condition than you might expect. Fortunately, we treat sleep apnea in Green Bay to control the disorder, allowing for safe and restful sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes the sufferer to stop breathing several times during the night. Without treatment, those with sleep apnea may face the following complications:
- Snoring and restless sleep
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Sudden stroke
- Mood changes
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dental issues
Sleep apnea is linked to dental health through a condition called bruxism—the habit of grinding and clenching the teeth during sleep.
It’s important to understand that you may not have all the sleep apnea symptoms to be diagnosed with the condition. For example, many people with sleep apnea don’t know they snore, and they don’t recall sleeping fitfully during the night.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment in Green Bay
Your dentist can recognize the telltale signs of this condition and even whether it is linked to bruxism. In some cases, your dentist may also refer you to a specialist.
If you suffer from bruxism, you may notice worn teeth, jaw and neck pain, headaches, and even tooth fractures.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
We treat sleep apnea through appliance therapy. This custom appliance worn during sleep can combat bruxism and sleep apnea by gently opening the airway and keeping the upper and lower jaw separated throughout the night.
Sleep apnea treatment outside the dental office may include a CPAP machine, which provides continuous airflow through the night. However, it is a cumbersome machine that takes some getting used to. It is also difficult to carry while traveling.
For Sleep Apnea Treatment in Green Bay, We Are Here for You
To learn whether appliance therapy is suitable for your sleep apnea, give us a call today or use our contact form to arrange a consultation.