Sleep Apnea Treatment – Palm Harbor, FL
Breathe Easier for a Better Night’s Rest
If you’re one of the millions of Americans with sleep apnea, you may frequently wake up feeling like you haven’t slept at all even if you went to bed early enough for a full 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Sleep apnea is a disorder that can lead to potentially deadly health problems if it’s ignored for too long. Fortunately, Dr. Johnson is able to offer oral appliances and airway orthodontics as long-term solutions for this condition. Are you tired of sleep apnea getting in the way of living your best life? Call today to set up a consultation to see how we can help.
Why Choose Dr. Alex Johnson for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Board-Certified in Dental Sleep Medicine
- Member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- Diplomate of American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
What is Sleep Apnea?
People with sleep apnea repeatedly experience brief pauses in their breathing throughout the night. Most of the time, these pauses are due to loose tissue or oversized tonsils or adenoids blocking the airway. Each interruption forces the body to wake up for air, preventing you from spending enough time in the deeper stages of sleep needed to restore your energy. There are multiple symptoms associated with sleep apnea, including:
- Loud snoring that can keep others awake
- Feeling excessively sleepy during the day no matter how much rest you got previously
- Irritability or mood swings
- Memory problems or confusion
- Being more prone to accidents due to being tired
- Morning headaches
- Heightened blood pressure
Sleep apnea can affect virtually anyone, but it occurs most often in male patients, people with excess weight, and those over a certain age.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Some people dismiss sleep apnea as a nuisance without fully realizing how dangerous is can be. The lack of sleep can take a toll on focus and reaction time, and that can lead to accidents while driving or working with heavy machinery. Also, people with sleep apnea tend to have a higher risk of suffering from heart attacks or other cardiovascular issues. In particular, pregnant women who have sleep apnea are more likely to give birth too early due to elevated blood pressure. It’s best to avoid the worst consequences of sleep apnea altogether by having the condition treated as quickly as possible.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Instead of treating sleep apnea with a noisy, uncomfortable CPAP machine, Dr. Johnson can give you a custom-made oral appliance to be worn at night. The device will shift your jaw to make sure the airway stays unblocked while you’re asleep. In certain circumstances, we can also address sleep apnea with airway orthodontics, which involves using orthodontic care to improve breathing. One method for doing this is to use a special orthodontic device called Myobrace, which helps guide the teeth into their proper positions and widens the upper palate so that the airway remains clear.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why Should I See an Orthodontist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
It may seem odd at first to go to an orthodontist for something other than teeth. However, they are far more knowledgeable about your oral cavity and inner facial structures than doctors without specialized training. Obstructive sleep apnea, in particular, is caused by weaknesses in the neck and mouth, which trigger episodes.
An orthodontist like Dr. Johnson has the knowledge and skills necessary to treat this condition using oral appliances that gently reposition your jaw as you sleep. As a bonus, if you already regularly visit him for your oral care, your visit can double as an examination for sleep-related issues.
Can My Orthodontist Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
While Dr. Johnson can help you screen for and treat sleep apnea, the disorder can only be diagnosed by a qualified sleep doctor. If he finds any signs of OSA, he can refer you to a specialist who can administer a test. It’s important to know the type of sleep apnea you have before Dr. Johnson can assist with your treatment. This is so a proper risk assessment can be done prior to making any decisions and the equipment can be tailored to fit your needs.
Will Oral Appliances Make CPAP Treatment Unnecessary?
While a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is an effective treatment for sleep apnea, it’s not a good fit for everyone. In fact, only around half of all patients who have a CPAP machine actually use it! This is because it can be bulky, uncomfortable, and too loud to sleep with.
While oral appliances can’t replace these machines in severe cases, they can effectively treat patients with mild to moderate OSA. The most effective form of treatment is the one that works for you, and Dr. Johnson will help you find a solution.
How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?
One of the many benefits of oral appliances is the ease with which patients get used to them. CPAP machines take a long time to adjust to, and some patients never do. With a customized oral appliance from Dr. Alex Johnson Orthodontics, it may only take a night or two to start feeling more rested.
However, the only concrete way to measure your results is to arrange another sleep test. So, as your symptoms begin to lessen, it’s a good idea to begin preparations for a follow-up sleep exam. Dr. Johnson will be more than happy to help you monitor your progress and coordinate with your sleep doctor.