Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
Obstructive sleep apnea is a problem that can affect your entire life. Getting obstructive sleep apnea treatment should be a life priority for anyone suffering from this disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by the soft tissues and tongue falling backwards into the throat while sleeping. This actually prevents air from entering the lungs and causes a person to wake up several times a night, gasping for air. Over time this can make a person constantly exhausted, cause mood and personality changes and even affect memory. Getting treatment for OSA should not be delayed.
Obstructive sleep apnea treatment must first begin with a proper sleep apnea diagnosis. If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms such as; sleep apnea snoring, gasping for air while sleeping, shaking while sleeping, continually waking up and waking up gasping for air you may have sleep apnea. To determine what kind of treatment you need you must first determine what kind of sleep apnea you have. The cause of sleep apnea for the three different types of sleep apnea are all different.
Once it has been determined that you have OSA, obstructive sleep apnea treatment can begin. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage of the airway that prevents normal breathing while sleeping. With most patients the tongue tends to loll back into the back of the mouth. Treatment often involves a sleep apnea dental appliance that pulls the lower jaw forward and prevents the tongue from falling back. Sleep apnea surgery is another option but does not always prove effective and is therefore an option of last resort.
Obstructive sleep apnea treatment does not work for Central Sleep Apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain not sending three correct messages to breathe while sleeping. In the case of Mixed Sleep Apnea, which involves the other two types of sleep apnea, treatment must be a two pronged attack. This is not a sleep apnea cure, this is only sleep apnea treatment, they are two different things. If you believe you might have sleep apnea you should get a sleep study to determine what kind of sleep apnea you have and then begin treatment.
The dangers of sleep apnea are serious and this disorder should be treated. Dental approaches to obstructive sleep apnea treatment are available and should be discussed with all patients suffering with this disorder. If you are interested in learning more please consider the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our dental office has over 45 years of combined experience serving Atlanta’s dental needs. Our dentists and staff are dedicated to our patients’ good health and well being and our goal is to make your visit as pleasant as possible. You are welcome to join our family of patients, whatever your dental needs. If you would like to schedule a dental consultation with any of our Atlanta dentists, call us at 404-874-7428 to make an appointment.
