Obstructive sleep apnea can mean chronic snoring and poor rest, impacting your ability to function at work and school. Instead of letting this disorder have a negative effect on your daily life, why not talk to your dentist about treatment? We have a number of options available to treat OSA and help restore your ability to sleep deeper and without interruption.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea means the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in the throat become too relaxed during sleep, collapsing and blocking airflow. You stop breathing until the brain wakes you again. Despite not remembering these episodes, you can be woken hundreds of times in a night, leaving you exhausted. Aside from snoring, common warning signs include waking up gasping for air/choking, dry mouth, daytime drowsiness, and moodiness. Before recommending treatment, we will assess your symptom with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. We can then decide the appropriate treatment for your OSA.
CPAP Machine
A CPAP machine involves wearing a mask over the mouth and nose. The mask is connected via a plastic hose to a machine that pumps air. The forced air prevents obstructed breathing, ensuring your continue to enjoy uninterrupted airflow as you sleep.
Oral Appliance
For some, the CPAP machine can be cumbersome and uncomfortable. Fortunately, we have an alternative with a custom oral appliance. Similar in appearance to a nightguard, the device moves the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues in your sleep.
Changes to Your Routine
You can also make a few changes to your routine to help prevent further apneic episodes, including:
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, or big meals before bed
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
ABOUT YOUR GLENCOE, IL, COSMETIC DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and our highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including: Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
Leave a Reply