Sleep Apnea Treatment in Claremont, NH
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Are you struggling to sleep through the night? You may be experiencing sleep apnea—a potentially serious sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Sleep apnea is characterized by breathing interruptions and heavy snoring and is more prevalent in men than women. Risk factors for sleep apnea include having excess body weight, family history, excessive use of alcohol and sedatives, wider neck circumference, and smoking.
There are two primary forms of sleep apnea—central and obstructive sleep apnea, abbreviated OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airways collapse during sleep, leading to limitations in airflow. As a result, the individual snores heavily as the air struggles to move through the collapsed airways. In contrast, central sleep apnea is triggered by a failure in the nervous system communication. When the brain fails to send the right signals to the respiratory system, central sleep apnea occurs.
Claremont Dental Group provides personalized sleep apnea treatment in Claremont, NH. If you suspect you or a loved one has sleep apnea, get in touch with our dentists near you for a comprehensive evaluation.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Besides chronic snoring, other symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia)
- Morning headaches
- Mouth or loud breathing
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Irritability and restlessness
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Mood swings
Many times, chronic snorers may not even be aware of their problem. Your partner can sometimes make you aware of any sleep issues. However, even in the absence of an attentive partner, our dentists in Claremont, NH, can pick up on signs indicating an underlying problem. That’s why we recommend scheduling regular dental exams to allow our dentists to keep an eye on your oral and overall well-being.
What to Expect
We begin by evaluating you carefully to determine if you’re showing signs consistent with sleep apnea. Our dentists will ask about your symptoms, everyday habits, sleep patterns, medical history, family history, and other relevant information. Based on their evaluation, our dentists determine if there’s a need for a sleep study.
A sleep study is an assessment that focuses on obtaining insights regarding your breathing patterns, heart rate, and oxygen levels as you sleep. The outcome of the sleep study determines the next treatment steps.
Many patients respond well to custom oral appliances, namely tongue-retaining and mandibular advancement devices, that keep the airways open during sleep. Lifestyle adjustments may also be required to supplement the oral devices that our dentists craft for you.
Contact Claremont Dental Group to learn more about sleep apnea treatment near you.