Sleep Apnea Treatment in Denver, CO
Dental Sleep Apnea
At Reiser Dental in Denver, CO, we believe good sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, millions of people suffer from sleep disordered breathing, including sleep apnea, which can cause serious health problems. We are committed to helping our patients get the rest they need through the use of oral appliances for sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep. It is often characterized by loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the most common type and occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, while CSA occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
The exact causes of sleep apnea are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to the development of the condition. Some common causes of sleep apnea include:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Smoking
- Alcohol or sedative use
- Genetics
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Nasal congestion or allergies
Health Risks of Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate. While snoring is usually harmless, it can indicate a more serious sleep disorder. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of several serious health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory problems
- Snoring
Understanding Sleep Disordered Breathing
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea symptoms can include irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a reduced ability to perform everyday tasks. Fortunately, effective treatments for sleep apnea are available, including oral appliances.
Helping You Get a Good Night’s Sleep
At Reiser Dental, our sleep dentists are committed to helping you get the rest you need. We offer a range of dental sleep medicine services, including the use of oral appliances for sleep apnea. Our goal is to provide our patients with comfortable, effective treatment options that will allow them to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep apnea causes have been linked to the following and more:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory problems
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. This can happen when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, the tongue falls back into the throat, or the tonsils and adenoids become enlarged. When the airway becomes blocked, breathing is interrupted, which can cause snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep.
What Is Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dental sleep medicine is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating sleep disordered breathing, including sleep apnea. At Reiser Dental, our sleep dentists are trained in dental sleep medicine and can provide our patients with effective options for sleep apnea treatments.
Benefits of Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are a comfortable and effective treatment option for sleep apnea. These custom-fitted devices are worn in the mouth during sleep and keep the airway open, preventing the tongue and soft tissues from blocking the airway. Some of the benefits of oral appliances for sleep apnea include:
- Easy to use and maintain
- Comfortable and non-invasive
- Convenient for travel
- Can be an effective alternative to CPAP machines
- Can improve sleep quality and reduce snoring
What Do Our Sleep Dentists Do?
Our sleep dentists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disordered breathing, including sleep apnea. When you visit us for a sleep apnea consultation, we will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. If an oral appliance is right for you, we will work with you to create a custom-fitted device that meets your specific needs.
Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Keep You Up at Night. Contact Us!
If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. At Reiser Dental, we are here to help. Contact us to schedule a sleep apnea mouthpiece consultation and take the first step toward getting the restful, rejuvenating sleep you need.