Are you a chronic snorer? Do you notice that you wake yourself up during the night trying to catch your breath? You may have sleep apnea. There are multiple types of sleep apnea, but Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is one of the most common types. During sleep apnea, soft tissues like the tongue and soft palate obstruct the airway. The muscles in these soft tissues relax, momentarily closing the airway and blocking breathing. At Hartland Dental Care, Dr. Michael Sesi helps patients with sleep apnea in Hartland, MI. Treating sleep apnea can also prevent future health problems like heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Pauses in breathing restrict air to the lungs and blood flow to the heart.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
There are many common signs of sleep apnea, the most telling being pauses in breathing during sleep. Please get in touch with us if you or a loved one notice episodes of gasping during sleep or waking up frequently during the night. Symptoms of sleep apnea can also include:
- Snoring
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
We will provide sleep apnea screening if you notice any of these symptoms. During this screening, we take digital x-rays of the mouth and examine the soft tissues. We look for signs of blockage, a constricted airway, and large tissues in the throat. Our team may also perform a physical exam to see what obstructs the airway.
Many patients may think that they have sleep apnea if they snore. While snoring can be a common symptom of sleep apnea, it is not the same. Patients can also have sleep apnea without snoring. Snoring occurs due to vibration in the soft tissues of the airway. Sleepeep apnea occurs when the soft tissues collapse, restricting breathing during sleep.
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea in Hartland, MI
Many patients with sleep apnea require Continous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines. CPAP machines can effectively care for patients with more moderate to severe sleep apnea symptoms. However, some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea may benefit more from an oral appliance. CPAP machines make noise as they deliver air through the upper respiratory tract. These machines also use nasal masks can feel uncomfortable and hard to sleep with.
Alternatively, oral appliances are minimally invasive. Oral appliances are similar to nightguards because they cover the upper and lower teeth. However, sleep apnea oral appliances push the lower jaw forward and often hold the tongue in place, preventing airway obstruction. These oral appliances help improve patients’ symptoms so they can rest and breathe easier. We also customize oral appliances to ensure that they fit patients individually.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Today
Do you think you may have sleep apnea? Call Hartland Dental Care for sleep apnea treatment today at 810-255-5203. You can also request a sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Michael Sesi on our website. If you have any questions or concerns about sleep apnea, please let Dr. Sesi know, and he will be happy to assist you.