By Dr. Gilbert –
Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Have you caught yourself dozing off while driving? Have you fallen asleep while sitting at a red light? Sleep Apnea may be the reason for this. This common disorder causes you to have one or more pauses in breathing, or shallow breaths, while sleeping (National Institutes of Health).
How does Sleep Apnea occur?
This depends on which type you have. The two types of Sleep Apnea are Obstructive and Central. Obstructive Sleep Apnea involves the airway collapsing or becoming blocked during sleep. A side effect of this may be loud snoring. Central Sleep Apnea happens when the area of your brain that controls your breathing does not sent the correct signals to your breathing muscles (National Institutes of Health). Although both types have different causes, they have the same end result. Typically, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more common than Central Sleep Apnea. In some circumstances, both types can occur within the same patient. This is called Complex Sleep Apnea.
What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea often goes undetected. A family member or bed partner usually discovers it. Loud snoring is a major sign of Sleep Apnea. This is caused during breathing, when air squeezes past the blockage. Other symptoms are morning headaches, memory problems, feeling irritable or depressed, waking up frequently to urinate, and having a dry mouth or sore throat after waking up (Harvard Health Publications).
How do you find out if you have Sleep Apnea?
As previously mentioned, Sleep Apnea usually cannot be identified during routine doctors’ visits. Unlike many other disorders, blood tests cannot diagnose Sleep Apnea. However, a dentist can detect less obvious symptoms through a casual conversation with their patients.
What can I use to treat Sleep Apnea?
Treatments vary depending on the disorder’s severity. Generally, patients are given retainers or other removable dental appliances. Extreme cases of Sleep Apnea require more management. An example of this is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) System. This device gives its patients air through a small mask, applying a constant positive pressure that helps keep their airway open.
It is important to find a dentist that is specially trained to diagnose and treat Sleep Apnea. Pelican Landing Dental is located in Bonita Springs and its dentists, Drs. Rich and Lacy Gilbert, are constantly attending the most advanced continuing education courses available. Their office provides you with a relaxed environment and friendly service. If you have any concerns about Sleep Apnea, please contact Pelican Landing Dental at (239) 948-2111 to schedule an appointment.
Learn the Benefits of Dental Implants with Dr. Lacy Gilbert
If you wear a conventional denture or a partial denture, you know all too well the problems associated with wearing them. For some people, dentures can cause discomfort while eating, create sore spots or cause embarrassment in social setting when they slip and click. Learn about the benefits of dental implants during this free seminar offered by Lacy Gilbert, DMD, and owner of Pelican Landing Dental. Dr. Lacy Gilbert will explain the advantages of dental implants, the use of their in house 3D CT scanner technology in implant dentistry as well as many advances in the field. Seating is limited at Pelican Landing Dental. To reserve your seat for the Dental Implant Seminar being held on Tuesday, June 3nd 5:30PM-7PM call (239) 948-2111.
For more information checkout our website at www.pelicanlandingdental.com