There are many reasons to get serious about treating sleep apnea, and your trusted team at Dr. Rick Dentistry is here to help. We are proud to offer comfortable and effective treatment options to improve your health and enhance your quality of life! A visit to our Scottsdale dental office will have you on track to restful, rejuvenating sleep!

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repeatedly stopping and starting breathing during sleep. It occurs due to the muscles at the back of the throat relaxing and the soft tissue collapsing and blocking the airway, which prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs.

What Are the Sleep Apnea Risk Factors?

Sleep apnea is not limited to a particular age group. Some risk factors include family history, being male, obesity, heavy snoring, or previous damage to the nose and throat. Having a small jaw, a large neck circumference, large tonsils, high growth hormone levels, and low thyroid hormone levels can also raise the risk for sleep apnea.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The most common tell-tale signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring and waking up gasping for breath. Patients often report morning headaches, waking up with a dry mouth, feeling sleep deprived and tired during the day, having difficulty focusing, and memory loss. They may also experience irritability, frequent mood swings, and unexplained weight gain. People with sleep apnea often grind and clench their teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism.

How Can Sleep Apnea Affect Your Health?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that impacts your health and quality of life. It can pose a safety concern, as it increases the risk of workplace or driving accidents and can be especially problematic for patients with medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a previous stroke. It can also contribute to obesity, surgery complications, metabolic syndrome, chronic acid reflux, and more!

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed and Treated?

A sleep study called a polysomnogram will help diagnose the condition and determine its severity. Sleep doctors typically prescribe CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines to prevent breathing stoppages during sleep. A CPAP machine blows a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open. However, many patients find the noise and hoses cumbersome.

Dr. Rick Dentistry is pleased to offer comfortable sleep apnea treatments using oral appliance therapy. He may recommend a mandibular advancement device, which looks like a mouthguard. It helps hold the jaw in a forward position to keep the airway open. Another option is a soft tissue repositioning oral appliance. The splint-like device keeps the tongue in place to maintain an open airway. Dr. Rick will evaluate your unique concerns and recommend the best treatment option for you.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Near Me

Visit Dr. Rick Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ, to find relief from your sleep apnea symptoms. Dr. Rick and his team look forward to helping you sleep well and live life to the fullest! Call us and schedule your appointment today!