Treat Sleep Apnea in San Antonio with an Oral Appliance
February 12, 2018
Do you often find yourself waking often at night? Maybe your spouse complains that you snore excessively? If either of these situations sound familiar, you could be suffering from a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. When the muscles in the throat collapse while you sleep, it causes the air passages to narrow, leading to several pauses in breathing. When left untreated, it can significantly decrease your quality of life while leading to potentially deadly health complications. To restore a restful night’s sleep and to breathe easier, you need treatment for sleep apnea in San Antonio.
Complications from Sleep Apnea
Although the most notable symptoms of the sleep disorder involve loud chronic snoring, the symptoms and complications are quite diverse. It is not uncommon to wake frequently at night, often choking or gasping for air. The poor sleep quality can leave you feeling tired throughout the day while you may also develop morning headaches. This can lead to mood swings and irritability. Over time, sleep deprivation can occur. If this develops, you suffer an increased risk for workplace and auto accidents while your quality of life will significantly decline.
When left untreated, the lack of proper oxygen levels will place a strain on your heart. This can lead to cardiovascular disease, drastically increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Restore Your Sleep Quality
In the past, your dentist in San Antonio would recommend the use of a CPAP machine, which delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep the air passages open. While it is effective, it has a low compliance rate.
As an alternative, many have now come to prefer an oral appliance. The custom-fit device is similar to a mouthguard; however, instead of protecting the teeth, it repositions the lower jaw forward to keep the airways open. This helps to prevent the muscles of the throat from collapsing to stop the pauses in breathing.
The oral appliance is effective for treating mild to moderate cases of the disorder. In addition, it offers the comfort and freedom that you need to fit your lifestyle. It is quiet, portable, and easy to wear. Best of all, it is covered by many medical insurances.
Breathe Easier Today
If you suffer from chronic snoring or you believe that you have the sleep disorder, do not wait until it is too late. Take control of your sleep quality to breathe easier by visiting your dentist in San Antonio today. After an initial consultation, a customized treatment plan will be created to restore your quality of life.
About New Image Dentistry
At New Image Dentistry, we offer high-quality dental care that will exceed your expectations. Our team of dental professionals offer the services you need to reach and maintain optimal oral health. Through their diverse training and qualifications, we can provide many specialized services, including the treatment of sleep apnea. If you suffer from the condition or deal with chronic snoring, contact our office today to get the solution you need.