At our dentist's office in Bloomington, Indiana, we evaluate patients for the most common form of sleep apnea. And we also provide treatment through appliance therapy.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition of sleep that causes you to stop breathing several times during the night. Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart health issues, and sudden stroke without treatment.
Snoring is the most recognized symptom of sleep apnea. However, not everyone who snores has this condition. Other symptoms include:
- Daytime sleepiness and mood changes
- Trouble concentrating
- Dry or irritated throat
If your sleep apnea is related to a condition called bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth), you may also notice tooth wear, tooth pain, jaw pain, and headaches.
Three Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of this condition. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, it means your throat relaxes or closes periodically during sleep. This can be due to being overweight or because of anatomical issues of the throat or esophagus.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is not as common as obstructive, and it is not structural. Instead, central sleep apnea is typically neurological—the brain sending the wrong messages and disrupting nighttime breathing as a result.
Complex Sleep Apnea
Complex sleep apnea is a hybrid of obstructive and central—both structural and neurological. Symptoms of the three types of sleep apnea are similar and even identical.
How Your Bloomington Sleep Apnea Dentist Can Help
We offer custom appliance therapy to gently keep the airway open during sleep. Your dentist can talk to you about your type of sleep apnea and determine whether appliance therapy is right for you.
Many patients prefer appliance therapy to the more common CPAP machine because it is less cumbersome and more comfortable.
For Sleep Apnea Treatment in Bloomington, IN, Contact Us
We want to help you achieve safe and comfortable sleep. If you suspect sleep apnea or have already been diagnosed, give us a call to learn how you might benefit from appliance therapy.