Sleep is a crucial part of our everyday routine as it helps us relax and rejuvenate for the next day. It is advised that adults ought to sleep for at least 7 hours every day, which gives the body the necessary time to rest. Also, reaching the deeper stages of sleep is quite important, as it allows the glands to release a few essential hormones that are necessary for the growth and development of the body. This can be denied by sleep disorders, of which sleep apnea is a prominent one.
The tissues of the body relax and loosen up when we sleep. This applies to the muscles of the throat and the airway as well. In some individuals, the muscles may loosen a little too much, due to which they tend to collapse from the roof of the throat and block the airway. The blockage can either be complete or partial, which denies the optimum oxygen supply to the lungs. This condition is called obstructive sleep apnea and is fairly common among adults. In some instances, the brain may not signal the lungs to inhale and exhale on time due to which the individual may briefly stop breathing and resume shortly afterward. This condition is called central sleep apnea.
When you visit our dental practice, we will conduct a thorough diagnosis of the condition and suggest a few changes in your lifestyle to alleviate it. Some of them are:
Along with these, we may also suggest oral appliances such as a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). It is a custom-fabricated appliance that patients can use while going to bed. It prevents the collapse of the tissues from the roof of the throat and brings the lower jaw forward, which expands the opening to the airway. If the condition is severe, we may have to suggest a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device (CPAP). It is a combination of a pressurized oxygen supply with a face mask that you can put on before sleeping. The oxygen supply maintains a positive pressure in the airway, thus keeping it from closing abruptly.
It is best not to ignore sleep apnea. The longer you wait to get it treated, the symptoms could gradually worsen.
Call us 916-435-1155 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Nguyen for a consultation at our office in Rocklin, CA.
5400 Park Dr Suite 100,
Rocklin, CA 95765
MON - THU8:00 am - 5:00 pm
FRI8:00 am - 4:00 pm
SATBy appointments only
SUNClosed