Sleep apnea is a serious disorder where you stop breathing various times while you sleep. In some cases, your dentist in Pueblo, CO can help treat sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Elmer Villalon to discover possible treatments for these kinds of sleep disorders.
There are two main kinds of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, and central sleep apnea. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in the back of your throat are unable to keep the airways open. When you have central sleep apnea, your brain can't control your breathing as you sleep. Keep reading to learn more about a sleep apnea diagnosis.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Snoring is the most common sleep apnea symptom, but not everyone who has sleep apnea is a snorer. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:
- Choking or gasping while you sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Loss of memory
- Loss of concentration
- Waking up frequently during the night to go to the bathroom
These are not the only symptoms of sleep apnea. Consult with a medical professional or your dentist in Pueblo to provide you with additional information about sleep apnea symptoms.
What is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study will help your doctor determine if you have sleep apnea or another type of sleep disorder. During a sleep study, doctors monitor you while you sleep. They analyze your eye movements, body movements, heart rate, snoring, and oxygen level. This allows doctors to understand what's going on with your brain and body while you sleep.
If your doctor determines you have sleep apnea, he or she will then discuss treatment options.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP therapy is a common form of sleep apnea treatment. With this type of therapy, the patient sleeps with a CPAP machine. While the patient wears a special mask, air is forced through a flexible tube to keep the airway open. Unfortunately, some people experience difficulties using the CPAP machine. If this describes your situation, your dentist in Pueblo can provide you with a dental appliance to treat your sleep apnea.
Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you are a candidate for an oral appliance, your dentist will prescribe a custom-made oral device. The device is worn only at night and works by bringing your jaw forward while you sleep. When your jaw is moved forward, it opens your airway. This kind of dental appliance is often an effective treatment for snoring and sleep apnea.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you would like to explore treatment options for sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Pueblo, CO. Dr. Elmer Villalon and his experienced staff can help you find a sleep apnea treatment that works for your specific needs. CPAP machines are effective, but oral appliances may help with your sleep apnea as well. To schedule your appointment, call (719) 542-7844.