Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by brief interruptions in breathing throughout the night. Not only can sleep apnea interfere with your ability to achieve restful sleep, but it also increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. Treatment is available for sleep apnea. Dr. Pada Chalothorn and Dr. William Cartee, the experienced dental providers at Central Kentucky Dental Implant and Sleep Apnea Center in Lexington, KY, can treat your sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which air is prevented from reaching the lungs, often due to a blocked or collapsed airway. When air is unable to readily reach the lungs, the result is temporary pauses in breathing. The airway can be obstructed if the tongue rolls back or tissues in the throat collapse while sleeping.

Some individuals have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea, such as those with a family history of the disorder. Other risk factors include having high blood pressure and being overweight or obese. Being middle-aged also increases a person’s risk for sleep apnea. Additionally, more men develop sleep apnea than women.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

It is not unusual for someone with sleep apnea to be unaware they have the condition. They might wake up feeling unrested or experience difficulty concentrating during the day, but not know why they aren’t sleeping well at night. There are several symptoms associated with sleep apnea. Experiencing some of these regularly could be an indication that you might have the condition. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Feeling unrested upon waking
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping
• Overwhelming sleepiness during the day
• Headaches in the morning
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Depression
• Weight gain
  
  

Oral Appliance Therapy

One of the most common and traditional methods for treating sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. This method relies on a machine to deliver a consistent stream of pressure to the airway while sleeping, which helps prevent the airway from collapsing. The pressurized air is delivered through a face mask worn while sleeping. CPAP is an extremely effective treatment method, but some patients find it too cumbersome or uncomfortable.

We offer an alternative method for treating sleep apnea at our office in Lexington — oral appliance therapy. A small oral device, similar to a mouth guard or retainer, is worn while sleeping. There is no mask, machine, or other equipment. The oral appliance helps keep the airway open by holding the jaw in a stable position so the airway does not become blocked. Not only does this prevent pauses in breathing, but it also helps reduce or stop snoring. The oral appliance is custom-made for a perfect fit.

Sleep apnea can prevent you from enjoying restful sleep, but oral appliance therapy can change all that. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Chalothorn or Dr. Cartee to learn more about treating sleep apnea by calling Central Kentucky Dental Implant and Sleep Apnea Center in Lexington, KY, at (859) 223-8987.