Sleep Apnea
Sleep is critical to a long, healthy life. Sleep apnea not only interrupts rest, it is a potentially serious disorder that impacts one in six people. If you are over the age of 50, your chances of having sleep apnea may be as high as 50%.
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common and life-threatening sleep disorders, with increased risk for heart attack, stroke and dangerously high blood pressure. People with obstructive sleep apnea stop breathing periodically while sleeping. As the muscles in the back of the throat relax during rest, the tongue and soft tissue block the airway rather than allowing healthy air flow. A sleep apnea sufferer’s slumber might be disrupted hundreds of times a night.
Sleep apnea can be triggered by weight gain, alcohol or sedatives, smoking, high blood pressure, or simply by having a larger neck size, being male, or aging. Common symptoms include:
- Snoring
- Feeling exhausted after a full night’s sleep
- Being woken up by partner repeated for snoring
- Regular morning headaches
- Waking yourself up snoring or snorting several times a night
- Extreme drowsiness or falling asleep during daytime activities, like meetings or driving.
“Excellent, caring team.”
For years, I've covered my mouth when laughing to hide the ugly silver fillings that mar a number of my teeth. Dr. Marcus told me about the recent innovations that would enable him not only to treat a dental problem, but also to improve the overall appearance of my teeth. [With a] new CEREC crown, I can toss back my head, open my mouth and laugh heartily.
- Karen
HOW DO UAD DOCTORS TREAT SLEEP APNEA?
Some sleep apnea patients find relief with a CPAP or corrective surgery, but these solutions don’t work for everyone.
UAD offers highly effective Oral Appliance Therapy treatments to help prevent airway obstruction so you can breathe easier and without disruption, sleep more soundly at night, and enjoy more energized days.
We provide sleep apnea patients with FDA-approved oral appliances that are recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as an excellent treatment option. Each appliance is custom fit just for you and worn at night like a sports mouth-guard. Our patients love that they are compact and easy to maintain.
HOW WILL ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY HELP ME BREATHE AND SLEEP EASIER?
Patients who wear an oral appliance experience a return to normal breathing patterns and snoring relief because their lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and hyoid bone are all stabilized to a healthy position.
We recommend oral appliance therapy for people diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, for those who travel frequently, or for use with a CPAP in more severe cases.
Ready to review your sleep apnea treatment options with a UAD doctor? We’re here for you.
